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NCAA Basketball: 10 Preseason Mid-majors to watch for 2018-19

By Tristan Freeman

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: David Jenkins Jr.
BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: David Jenkins Jr. /

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

2017-18 results: 28-7 (13-1) – Round of 64

Key losses: Reed Tellinghuisen (12.0 ppg and 4.8 rpg) – Skyler Flatten (6.8 ppg)

Key returnees: SR Mike Daum (23.9 ppg and 10.3 rpg – both led team) – SO David Jenkins Jr. (16.1 ppg) – SR Tevin King (9.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg)

It’s amazing what a year of experience can do for a team. South Dakota State went from being .500 last year to have a 10 game win improvement, with a roster filled with upperclassmen.

But the biggest credit for the team’s jump should go to freshman David Jenkins, who carved out a role for himself early on. He had 13 games of at least 20 points, including back-to-back 27 point games.

The story will obviously be about Mike Daum, who is one of just a few players to lead their conference in both scoring and rebounding. He was much better against elite competition and will try to lead the Jackrabbits to their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Summit League already for next season looks to be a two-team race with South Dakota and South Dakota State vying for the automatic bid. Both teams bring back the majority of their players, so three more rounds between the rivals is a likely bet.

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