Nolan Minessale picked player of the year, women’s basketball ranked No. 5 in Summit League preseason poll

St. Thomas basketball heads into their first season as NCAA tournament eligible. With the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena opening Oct. 24, the men’s and women’s programs carry significant hype ahead of the campaign. Here’s a look at how both teams stack preseason.

Men’s Basketball

St. Thomas men’s basketball will start the 2025-26 season right where it wants to be — as favorites to win the Summit League.

The Tommies came in at No. 1 on the preseason coaches poll that was released on Tuesday. Fifteen-year coach Johnny Tauer leads a squad with their sights set on the postseason. Last year, though ineligible for the NCAA tournament per the conditions of their transition, the Tommies lost in the Summit League final to Omaha.

St. Thomas also had two players earn preseason all-league recognition. Sophomore forward Nolan Minessale is a first-team selection and was selected as the Summit League preseason player of the year. Junior forward Carter Bjerke earned a spot on the first team, as well.

St. Thomas returns 10 members from last year’s 24-10 season. The team welcomes sophomore forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, a transfer from Miami; sophomore guard Tommy Humphries Jr., a transfer from Furman; and sophomore guard Austin Herro, a transfer from South Carolina and NBA star Tyler Herro’s younger brother.

The Tommies will start their season vs. Saint Mary’s in California on Nov. 3 before their home opener at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena against Army on Nov. 8. 

Below is the Summit League coaches preseason poll:

Summit League men’s basketball preseason poll

1. St. Thomas
2. Omaha
3. South Dakota State
4. North Dakota State
5. South Dakota
6. Kansas City
7. Denver
8. North Dakota
9. Oral Roberts

Preseason All-Summit League First Team

Carter Bjerke, St. Thomas, Jr., F. 

Isaac Bruns, South Dakota, Jr., G.

Kalen Garry, South Dakota State, Jr., G.

Nolan Minessale, St. Thomas, So., F.

Tony Osburn, Omaha, Sr., G.

Jayson Petty, Kansas City, Jr., G.

Women’s Basketball

Tommie women’s basketball was picked to finish fifth in the Summit League preseason coaches poll that was released on Tuesday.

Coach Ruth Sinn guided the team to a 17-13 record last season, their best finish in the Division 1 era. The team finished fourth in the conference but were defeated in the conference tournament quarterfinals for the third year in a row. 

The Tommies lost a ton of talent from last year’s team, including starters Jade Hill and Jo Langbehn. St. Thomas returns nine members from the 2024-25 season. Sophomore forward Alyssa Sand is the top returner this season. Sand appeared in all 30 games and averaged 5.9 points in 16.8 minutes per game.

St. Thomas welcomes four first-years and transfers graduate guard Jada Hood and junior forward Savannah McGowan.

The Tommies will open their season at Iowa State on Nov. 3 before their first game at the Lee & Penny Anderson vs. Army on Nov. 8. 

Below is the Summit League coaches preseason poll:

Summit League women’s basketball preseason poll

1. South Dakota State
2. North Dakota State
3. Oral Roberts
4. South Dakota
5. St. Thomas
6. Kansas City
7. North Dakota
8. Omaha
9. Denver

Juan Del Valle can be reached at delv9625@stthomas.edu.