ST. PAUL, Minn. — The University of St. Thomas, renowned for its high scoring capacity and 22 wins this season, faces a challenging future due to its transition to NCAA Division I. As the No. 2 seed in their conference tournament, the Tommies are gearing up for their final year of postseason ineligibility. With their sights set on the Summit League Tournament, they look forward to when the transition period ends and they can aim for NCAA Tournament participation.
Though winning their upcoming tournament would be a bittersweet moment due to the missed opportunity for NCAA exposure, the Tommies have built a strong belief within the team. Freshman guard Nolan Minnesale expressed that while their immediate focus is not on the NCAA Tournament, it remains a significant future goal.
Currently, St. Thomas stands with eight other Division I schools under a probationary period, rendering them ineligible for the NCAA Tournament. Among the notable contenders is Queens University, while others generally lag behind with a combined record of 75-141. St. Thomas’ performance this season places them impressively in the top 15 for field goal, free throw, and 3-point percentages among other categories. Their standing in the NCAA NET ranking at 117 further highlights their competitive edge.
Historically, transitioning schools like Bellarmine have found success in their conference tournaments, serving as inspiration for the Tommies. Although the road to the NCAA Tournament is arduous for teams from single-bid leagues, the Tommies are unperturbed by potential challenges ahead. Their immediate focus remains on their quarterfinal game against Denver. Coach Johnny Tauer emphasizes the importance of staying present and building a legacy, envisioning future celebrations not just for current members but for those who laid the groundwork for the program’s success.
St. Thomas’ trajectory since their 2019 ejection from a Division III conference spans dramatic changes. With limited options for remaining in Division III or moving to Division II, they ambitiously pursued a Division I leap. The NCAA accommodated them with a reduced transition timeline, allowing them to expedite their move. Their location in a basketball-rich region of Minnesota has helped fortify their competitiveness, despite the local prominence of hockey.
The upcoming opening of a new 5,500-seat arena on campus signals potential growth, not only within the Summit League but amidst the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) arrangements. Following their 10-20 inaugural Division I season, the Tommies’ resilience has shone with consecutive improvements leading to a 22-9 record this year. Notably, a trio of seniors prioritized team loyalty over possible early entry into March Madness.
Head Coach Johnny Tauer embodies the quintessential St. Paul native and steadfast supporter of St. Thomas, having been a former player and long-time coach since 2000. His background in psychology and familiarity with intrinsic motivation enhance his coaching philosophy, fostering trust and decision-making among players. Tauer’s leadership is marked by an emphasis on culture and continuity, prioritizing recruits fresh out of high school. This approach underpins the program’s ethos, promoting communal success which, according to Tauer, naturally arises from team dedication in an era that often highlights individualism.
