South Dakota State Basketball Duo Earns All-Summit League Honors
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State sophomores Joe Sayler and Damon Wilkinson have been recognized with honorable mentions to the 2026 All-Summit League Men’s Basketball Team, the conference office announced Tuesday.1
Sayler’s Standout Season
Sayler and Wilkinson led the Jackrabbits in scoring during the 16-game Summit League schedule.1 This marks the first All-Summit League recognition for both players in their collegiate careers. Sayler averaged 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in conference play, shooting 46.8% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range.1
The White River, S.D., native ranked sixth in the conference in scoring, second in three-point percentage, and played the second-highest minutes per game.1 Sayler recorded 20-point performances on eight occasions in league action, including a career-high 27 points against North Dakota on January 3.1
Wilkinson’s Dominant Rebounding
Wilkinson averaged 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks per contest during the Summit League slate.1 He averaged 27 minutes per game and shot 58.8% from the field.1
The De Smet, S.D., native ranked 10th in the league in scoring, third in rebounds, and eighth in blocked shots, also appearing among the top 10 in field goal percentage.1 Wilkinson scored in double digits in all but one conference game, twice matching his career-high of 24 points and grabbing a career-high 19 rebounds in the league opener versus Omaha on New Year’s Day.1
Jackrabbits in the Summit League Championship
South Dakota State will begin its participation in the 2026 Summit League Basketball Championship in the quarterfinals on Thursday in Sioux Falls.1 The Jackrabbits will face No. 2-seed St. Thomas at approximately 8:30 p.m. In the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.1