Summit League Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

14. Cody Larson

Considered a Top 100 recruit from the Class of 2010, Larson made his way to Florida where things certainly didn’t go well. A 6’9 forward from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he redshirted his first year, was arrested, had his scholarship pulled by Billy Donovan, and finally left the program in 2012. After sitting out the next season, he got a chance for redemption with Scott Nagy and South Dakota State.

Larson took advantage of that opportunity and would average 13.1 points and 7.0 rebounds in his first season with the Jackrabbits. He helped lead the program to a 2nd place conference finish and an appearance in the CBI. During his senior season, he’d lead South Dakota State to the regular season title, though their 24-win season fell just short of the Big Dance. He’d put up 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds as his play reflected that lofty recruit ranking at last.

Putting up great numbers with the Jackrabbits across the board, Larson was named Second Team All-Summit was a junior but really peaked as a senior, earning First Team honors as well as the Defensive Player of the Year award. He was Top 5 in the league in points, rebounds, blocks, and field goals and did a bit of everything for a talented South Dakota State squad. While things certainly looked sour earlier in his career, Larson put it all together for his time in Brookings.