SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota men's basketball sophomore Vince Buzelis was named to the Preseason All-Summit League Second Team Tuesday afternoon, and the Coyotes were picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll. 

Buzelis appeared in 25 games and made nine starts in his freshman season and averaged 7.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 52.2% from the field. Buzelis ended the season scoring in double-figures in five of the final six games, averaging 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on a 56.0% shooting percentage. He notched his first career double-double in the Summit League Tournament Quarterfinals with 16 points, on 5-of-12 shooting, and 12 rebounds.

The Coyotes were picked fifth in the poll with 240 points. The reigning Summit League Regular Season and Tournament Champions, North Dakota State, were picked to repear with 418 points and 13 first place votes. St. Thomas was tabbed second with 410 points and 11 first place votes, while South Dakota State rounds out the top three with 396 points and seven first place votes. 

South Dakota opens the season on November 2, the first of four straight home games, against Mount Marty. 

2026-27 All-Summit League Men's Basketball
Preseason First Team
Carter Bjerke, St. Thomas
Kendall Blue, St. Thomas
Connor Dow, Oral Roberts
Austin Herro, St. Thomas
Joe Sayler, South Dakota State
Andy Stefonowicz, North Dakota State

Preseason Second Team
Jesse Van Kalsbeek, South Dakota State
Kalen Garry, South Dakota State
Grant Stubblefield. Omaha
Vince Buzelis, South Dakota 
Jaylen Smith, Kansas City

Preseason Player of the Year
Joe Sayler, South Dakota State
 
Poll

1. North Dakota State, 418 points (13 first place votes)
2. St. Thomas, 410 (11)
3. South Dakota State, 396 (7)
4. Omaha, 296 (1)
5. South Dakota, 240 
6. North Dakota, 194
7. Oral Roberts, 183
8. Kansas City, 127

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