Black Hills State coach Ryan Thompson was named to Silver Waves Media’s Top 50 Most Impactful NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Head Coaches list. In nine seasons, he has built the Yellow Jackets into a national contender, with three regional championships and three trips to the Elite Eight.

By the Numbers
  • Thompson is 170-72 (.702) at Black Hills State, 10 wins short of the school record of 179.
  • His teams have reached the Elite Eight 3 times in the past 5 seasons and posted a 30-5 record in 2025-26.
  • Black Hills State has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 35 times, including 17 consecutive polls.
  • The Yellow Jackets went 84-24 at home during Thompson’s tenure, including 13-1 last season.
State of Play
  • No. 6 Black Hills State opens its 2026-27 home schedule against Minot State on Nov. 13, then hosts UMary on Nov. 14.
  • Thompson’s teams have won 3 RMAC regular-season titles and 2 conference tournament championships.
Bottom Line

The recognition reflects a sustained run of winning in Spearfish—on the court and in the classroom—with Thompson closing in on the program’s career wins record as the Yellow Jackets begin another season.