PETERSEN MEETS WITH MEDIA AS HEAD COACH

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Newly named South Dakota State men's basketball head coach Bryan Petersen met with local media for the first time on Friday, less than a week after being selected for the position by Director of Athletics Justin Sell. The week has been a whirlwind, but has been one Petersen hasn't taken for granted.

"It's a tremendous opportunity," Petersen said. "This is a great place to live and the support that everybody gives to Jackrabbit Athletics and our university is special. When you have a type of opportunity like this and you're able to become the head coach of a program like this, it's an honor. It's something my family and I are really excited about.

"To be honest, it's a surreal feeling, but then reality hits. We've had to get to work because there's a lot to do."

Petersen spent the previous six years on former head coach Eric Henderson's staff as an assistant, so he's fully established in the support for Jackrabbit men's basketball. He pointed to the culture established within the university starting with President Barry Dunn, to Sell through the entire department that sticks out as one of the main reasons of where the success SDSU Athletics has had comes from as a whole.

He's hit the ground running when it comes to taking over the duties as a head coach. There are a variety of tasks somebody who takes over a men's basketball program has to address, but Petersen has been able to at least get a list of priorities in place as the days have gone by since he garnered his new role.

"Our current roster has the most important people in this whole process," Petersen said. "I met and spent some time with them, made sure they understand the vision for the program. They already know me, but this is a little bit of a transition for them. After that, you kind of go into your staff and start to make a few decisions on who you want to help you. Recruiting is obviously important. Also, I really want to reach out to important people around campus, important people around Brookings, our supporters, that's another aspect that I need to work on as well."

While some faces may change on the roster, fans of the Yellow and Blue can expect to see a similar product on the floor when the next season rolls around.

"From a playing style standpoint, there will be a few tweaks, but we will still be very similar to what Jackrabbit Nation and our support has seen over the years," Petersen said. "Coach Hendo did a good job of being collaborative with the staff and allowing us to have input of what we were doing on both sides of the basketball. We'll continue to have that and what we've seen offensively and defensively will be similar."

Petersen over the next few weeks will round out a 2025-26 roster which currently stands at nine returners from last season. He also will fill out his inaugural coaching staff over that time. Tucker Wookey, who worked his first year as a full-time assistant a season ago for the Jackrabbits, will continue his role on Petersen's staff.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Drake Head Coach Eric Henderson
"I am so excited for Bryan and his family to lead Jackrabbit basketball. Bryan and Renae are tremendous people and Jackrabbit basketball is in good hands. Bryan is a tireless worker who understands how to recruit talented young men that fit at South Dakota State. He has been a big part of our success and will continue to take the program to new heights!"

Creighton Head Coach Greg McDermott
"I'm incredibly happy for Bryan and his family. He has been a basketball junkie since I first met him almost 20 years ago. He has been successful at every stop of his coaching career. His knowledge of the game and ability to connect with the student-athletes he works with is as good as it gets. I look forward to watching him continue to build on the tremendous tradition of success at South Dakota State!"

Mississippi State Associate Athletic Director of Men's Basketball Doug Wagemester
"I believe I can speak on behalf of the entire Kirkwood Athletics family in saying that we are extremely happy for Bryan, Renae and their boys for this opportunity that South Dakota State has afforded them.

"Beginning with his playing days in our basketball program back at Kirkwood, and continuing into his early coaching years, it became clear that 'Petey' had a special relationship with the game of basketball and that he was destined for a successful coaching career. You would be hard pressed to find anyone that has worked harder or smarter to ready himself for this opportunity. It is rewarding to know that the South Dakota State administration saw these special traits in Bryan and trusted him to lead the program into even greater heights. Congratulations, Jackrabbit Nation!!"

Iowa State Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger
"A natural leader as a player, Bryan Petersen has continued to grow and evolve as a coach. He has a tireless work ethic and has proven his ability to coach by winning multiple national championships. Bryan, and his wife Renae, are a great fit for South Dakota State and the Brookings community."

Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg
"Bryan Petersen is a rising star in the coaching ranks. When he was on our staff at Iowa State, Bryan's work ethic was evident, as he was constantly in the gym working with our players to maximize their development. You could see how passionate he was about coaching early in his career, and his work helped us build a strong culture at Iowa State. That has carried on throughout his coaching career at the junior college level and over the the past few seasons at South Dakota State.

"I am excited for him to have this opportunity to lead the South Dakota State program."

-GoJacks.com-

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Completed Event: Men's Basketball versus #2 St. Thomas on March 5, 2026 , Loss , 67, to, 80

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PETERSEN MEETS WITH MEDIA AS HEAD COACH

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