SDSU Makes South Dakota 48th State To Send Team To NCAA Tourney

For anyone with a connection to South Dakota State university it’s been a wild 24 hours. The school’s athletic director says he’s still recovering.

While this is a huge moment for the Jackrabbit basketball teams it could also leave quite an impact on the school as well.

The sound of the final buzzer is still ringing in the ears of every Jackrabbit fan. Most haven’t been able to sleep after a historic Summit League Tournament.

“Most schools don’t have the tournaments on the same days let alone qualify both teams into the finals, let alone both teams win in overtime to get to the big show!” Said Justin Sell

SDSU athletic director Justin Sell says playing on the national stage is a tremendous opportunity for the school. Appearing in every newspaper and every sports bar is publicity SDSU could never afford.

“The opportunity to recruit our basketball programs is enhanced but also gives us a chance to showcase our university which we hope attracts other students who may want to come be a Jackrabbit.” Said Sell.

It’s a recipe Sell has followed at previous universities he’s worked for. Success on the court has also translated into more prospective students.

“When I was at Villanova we typically took 1500 freshmen every year out of 3000 applications, well when we were ranked third in the country and went to the NCAA Tournament we got 9000 applications for those 1500 spots.” Said Sell.

Right now faculty and students are still trying to live in the moment and celebrate this championship; for the day at least.

But it will soon be back to business as these Jackrabbits show the world how they do things in a little town called Brookings.

“We’re excited to not only represent our university but represent the state of South Dakota as well.” Said Sell.

With the men’s victory, South Dakota becomes the 48th state to send a school to the NCAA tournament. Alaska and Maine are still waiting for their chance to go to the big dance.

The Jackrabbits still don’t know where they will be heading or who their opponents in the tournament will be. The men find out Sunday night. The women get the news on Monday.