University of South Dakota Athletics

Rick Nissen, a native of Miller, SD, ranks as one of South Dakota's all-time best point guards. The six-footer was a standout for the Coyotes form 1972 to 1976. He graduated as the school's all-time assist leader with 598 and had the two best assist seasons ever (178, 1974-75, 162, 1075-76) Nissen also was the third all-time leading scorer with 1,452 points (14.52 ppg). A two-time (1974-75, 1975-76) academic All-NCC selection, he received first-team academic all-America honors. A NCAA postgraduate scholarship winner, NIssen was a two-time All-NCC selection, earning honors in 1974-75 and 1075-76. He was a marvel to watch with his shooting, passing, and penetration skills. A model of consistency, he started every one of USD's 100 games during his career. A two-time team captain, and twice a member of the All-NCC Holiday Tournament team, Nissen led the Coyotes to many big victories. One of the most memorable occurred in the third game of the 1975-76 season when he scored a career-high 32 points to spark the Coyotes past Iowa State in Ames, IA, 79-75, for USD's first win over a Division I school in 15 years.