Joe White has been appointed as the new Assistant Basketball Coach for South Dakota men's basketball, announced by head coach Eric Peterson. Bringing extensive experience from Idaho State, where he was associate head coach, White is recognized as a standout in the coaching community, earning multiple accolades for his impact on mid-major basketball. His prior success includes guiding Idaho State to significant finishes in the Big Sky Conference and leading a defensively strong unit that ranked highly nationally. In addition to his coaching, White has a strong academic focus, having improved team GPA metrics at Idaho State significantly.

By the Numbers
  • Idaho State's defense ranked No. 1 in the Big Sky and No. 9 in NCAA with an average of 61.7 opponent points per game in 2020-21.
  • Idaho State achieved three top finishes in the Big Sky Conference over the last 20 years during White's tenure.
Yes, But

While White’s track record is impressive, transitioning to a new program will present challenges, including adapting to different players and a new competitive environment in the Summit League.

State of Play
  • South Dakota is positioning itself to enhance its basketball program with White's hiring amid changes in the coaching staff.
  • White's recruitment emphasizes both on-court performance and academic success for team members.
What's Next

White will likely focus on integrating into the team's strategy while recruiting talents who can contribute on both offense and defense as the program aims for improved conference standings.

Bottom Line

With Joe White's extensive coaching accolades and focus on academic achievement, South Dakota men's basketball may be well-positioned for growth and success in upcoming seasons. His proven ability to enhance team performance and academic standards will be critical.