UND’s Defensive Overhaul Yields Early Success in Summit League

The University of North Dakota (UND) men’s basketball team is experiencing early success in the Summit League, thanks to significant changes to its defensive strategy during the offseason. The Fighting Hawks are currently 2-0 in league play, demonstrating a newfound intensity on defense that has positioned them as a formidable opponent.

Eli King, a senior guard and member of the 2025 Summit League All-Defensive team, has been a standout player in this revamped system. King leads the Hawks with 42 steals, making him the second-highest in the league. His ability to read plays, honed from his days as a safety and quarterback at Caledonia High School, has proven essential in UND’s aggressive defensive approach.

The Fighting Hawks have implemented a strategy focused on forcing turnovers, trapping, and doubling in the post. This approach aims to disrupt opponents’ offensive flow and prevent them from executing their preferred plays. King emphasizes the shift in mindset: “When they were on offense, we felt like they were kind of dictating and we were on our heels, where this year I feel like we’re kind of dictating what other teams can do,” he explained.

Statistics reflect the impact of these changes. UND currently ranks first in the Summit League for steals per game, averaging 9.50, and forces an average of 15.83 turnovers each game, placing them 22nd in Division I basketball. The Hawks are also leading the league with a turnover margin of 4.50, ranking 19th nationally.

Head coach Paul Sather attributes the success to a more aggressive defensive philosophy. “We’re forcing more turnovers, and we’re really trying to take away certain play types that teams usually are pretty heavy in,” Sather said. This strategic approach was particularly evident in recent victories against Oral Roberts and South Dakota State.

While the Hawks won against the Golden Eagles despite a minus-two turnover margin, they capitalized on turnovers against the Jackrabbits, scoring 14 points off turnovers. Sather noted the importance of limiting key players from opposing teams. Graduate guard Ty Harper, who leads Oral Roberts in scoring, was held to just six points, while South Dakota State’s Damon Wilkinson was limited to 11 points and committed four turnovers.

The team’s defensive changes have been influenced by assistant coach Ty Danielson, who joined the staff for his strong defensive background. Sather emphasized the need for a shift from a less aggressive style to one that challenges opponents. “Stylistically and from a schematic standpoint, I really wanted to change that,” he stated. Danielson’s previous experience at other institutions, where teams forced an average of 14.8 turnovers per game, contributed to the Hawks’ new strategy.

Despite the positive results, there are areas for improvement. Opponents are shooting an average of 46.7% from the field against UND, ranking sixth in the Summit League. The Hawks’ three-point defense stands fifth, with opponents making 32.9% of their attempts. With an average of 75.1 points allowed per game, sitting fourth in the conference, Sather noted, “I want our defensive field-goal percentage to get better, and it’s slowly improved a little bit over these last few weeks.”

As the Fighting Hawks continue their season, the focus remains on refining their defense to maintain their early success and strengthen their position in the Summit League.