St. Thomas Basketball Ranked Second in Summit League

The Tommies secured a top-two preseason ranking and landed three players on the league's preseason first team.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive sports illustration of a basketball player mid-layup in purple, grey, and white, evoking the energy of the St. Thomas team. — The St. Thomas Tommies basketball team earned a second-place preseason ranking in the Summit League, with three players named to the preseason first team. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Summit League coaches have voted St. Thomas to finish second in the conference this season. The team also saw three of its players named to the six-person preseason first team.

Why it matters

The ranking reflects high expectations for St. Thomas as the program aims to build on a track record of four consecutive appearances in the league championship semifinals. The team successfully transitioned to NIT eligibility in its first year of postseason participation.

St. Thomas placed three players on the six-player preseason first team, doubling the presence of any other program in the conference. The roster combines experienced veterans with new recruits like freshman guard JoJo Mitchell III.

The players

Kendall Blue

He is a 6-6 guard/forward selected for the Summit League preseason first team.

Carter Bjerke

He was named as one of the three St. Thomas players on the league preseason first team.

Austin Herro

He earned a spot on the Summit League preseason first team as a key contributor for the Tommies.

Cameron Rundles

He is in his sixth season serving as an assistant coach for the St. Thomas basketball program.

JoJo Mitchell III

He is a freshman guard joining the St. Thomas rotation this season.

The details

St. Thomas continues to balance seasoned contributors with young talent under the guidance of staff members like sixth-year assistant coach Cameron Rundles, who oversees the defensive strategy. The team prepares for upcoming challenges following a history of sustained deep tournament runs.

November 2, 2026: Season opener at Presbyterian.
November 6, 2026: Game at Minnesota.
November 8, 2026: Home opener against Green Bay.

Season Trajectory

The preseason ranking underscores the program's rapid ascent toward the top of the Summit League hierarchy. Having reached the league championship semifinal in each of the past four seasons, St. Thomas is now positioned as a primary title contender for the upcoming campaign.

Fans should monitor the court status of Kendall Blue, whose potential fifth season of eligibility could significantly alter the team's rotation. With three players on the preseason first team, the squad projects to rely on those core starters for high-volume production.

The takeaway

St. Thomas enters the season with significant momentum as a top-two conference pick. Fans should watch the team's early non-conference schedule in November to gauge how the new roster fits alongside returning stars.