Men's basketball pushes the pace

The Augustana men’s basketball team is entering the 2025 season with confidence and a roster built for flexibility. With two pre-season scrimmage wins against Briar Cliff and St. Olaf under their belt, the Vikings are counting on their depth and versatility to make a run in one of Division II’s toughest conferences.

Head coach Cody Schilling, now in his second year, said he is optimistic about the group returning to the court.

“Last year, we had three players who were out with injury and didn’t have as much depth,” Schilling said. “This year, we have length and we have versatility, returning 12 guys and seven of our top eight from last season. We have a lot of strong shooting abilities.” 

Ranked fifth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and third in the South Division, Augustana’s experience is one of its greatest assets.

“Every single year we want to compete for conference championships,” Schilling said. “We want to try to win 20-plus games every single year, and we want to play in the NCAA tournament.”

Schilling said much of the team’s practice time has been focused on sharpening defense and improving tempo.

Senior guard Sam Rensch said practice has emphasized pace and execution as the Vikings prepare for their first games.

“I’m focused on being a leader and playing at the highest level I can,” Rensch said.

Redshirt junior forward Caden Hinker echoed that mindset.

 “I want to be the best team, top of the conference and continue to grow together,” he said. 

The seniors agreed the team’s ultimate goal is to win a conference title and make a run in the NSIC tournament.

Despite their fifth-place preseason ranking, the Vikings are embracing the challenge of competing in a stacked conference.

“You’re in one of the strongest divisions in the country,” Schilling said. “Southwest State won the league last year, St. Cloud State has a good team and Minnesota State Mankato always has a strong team, so there will be a lot of really good teams in the NSIC South this year.” 

For the Vikings, maintaining consistency throughout the season will be key. 

“You’re going to deal with injury throughout the season and highs and lows,” Schilling said. “We have to make sure that they play with confidence in everything they do.” 

Rensch said keeping a steady mindset will help them overcome challenges.

“We try to keep the same routine. We don’t want to fold when things go wrong,” he said. 

Hinker added that the team’s chemistry gives them an advantage.

“The guys and coaches have built a strong brotherhood and community,” he said. “That will help us on the court.” 

That chemistry, combined with a flexible roster, could set the Vikings apart. 

“We have a lot of guys between 6’ 5” and 6' 8” who can play multiple positions,” Schilling said. “Our length, athleticism and versatility are three things that are really going to be good for us and make us stand out.”

As the season begins, Schilling said the focus remains on steady improvement.

“It’s a fun group of guys to be around,” he said. “We talk about stacking good days, outworking yesterday and just getting one percent better every single day.”

The Vikings’ season officially tips off Nov. 14–15 in St. Joseph, Missouri, where they will face Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State. The men’s team will have their first home game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. as they take on Randall University.