The University of South Dakota men’s basketball team starts the heart of their non-conference schedule tonight playing against a former GREAT WEST foe (games in 2009-11) – the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros in Sioux Falls, SD.
In the 2009-2011 matchups, USD went 4-1 against the Vaqueros. The games were battles as USD was trying to form an identity in D1 (they still are) – all five games were decided by six points or less. Note: does it get any more western than a coyote vs a vaquero?
Those former stats won’t matter here as it’s 2023 & Paul Bruns was likely dominating a 4th grade tournament somewhere back in 2010 with his brother watching courtside.
Why do I bring them up? Last year, Paul transferred in and there were veterans on this team. They are now gone. Freshman of the year to 6th man? He found his role last year. This year he gets the keys.
It’s 2023. The keys to the suburban are being handed to Bruns. Burchill is riding shotgun. Bostyn Holt is in there. Younger Bruns brother is in the third row & ready to step up. Lahan Thioune (spelling checked 3 times) is stretching his legs in the cabin second row.
Some people (wink wink) picked this team to be a TIER 3 team in the Summit. They could be right but I think a veteran like Bruns has the chance to elevate the team this year with some help & have them in the top 4 by the end of year.
Keys to success:
Shot selection is the key to 2023 for Peterson’s team. I felt last year’s team was too generous sharing the ball. Analytics time. Identify your guys (use statistics) & ENSURE they get up their shots. Get to the hoop & get your shooters their shot. You already know who I am talking about. He has a chance to win the player of the year in the Summit. Wink wink.
Game details:
The Vaqueros have a LOT of newcomers. Enjoy watching a potential player of the year in the Summit League with Bruns. Coyotes win close to home by 7.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Friday, 7:00pm
Recent (I think) LINE: Coyotes -1; over/under is 150.5
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Cheers – Kale