University of South Dakota Athletics

Dick Authier (1968-72) ranks as one of the best big men to play for the South Dakota Men's Basketball program. Authier was named the Most Valuable Player for the 1971-72 Coyotes' basketball team that won the North Central Conference title with a record of 18-10 overall and 11-3 in the conference. That season, he averaged 18.0 points (19.8 in NCC play) and 14.0 (15.9 in the NCC) rebounds (392 overall) per game. He had 26 rebound in an 85-77 win vs. South Dakota State on January 15, 1972. The total ranks as the second best rebounding performance ever. He also had 22 rebounds in a 88-82 win over North Dakota State on January 28, 1972 (85-77 win) Authier was a rebounding force, setting a USD record of 392 rebounds, including an NCC-leading 15.9 in 1971-72. At 225 pounds, Authier had a rugged style under the boards and during the NCC Holiday Tournament he set a record with 46 rebounds in three games only to be topped by teammate Chuck Iverson the next year. For his stellar accomplishments, the Woonsocket, SD native earned all-North Central Conference honors in 1971-72 season. When he graduated, Authier had the second most career rebounds in school history with 738 (9.71 per game).