Jackrabbits Land Point Guard EJ Ryans from Transfer Portal
South Dakota State is making moves to fix its biggest weakness from a frustrating 14-18 season. The Jackrabbits officially added Western Michigan point guard EJ Ryans through the transfer portal, giving the team a true floor general after last year's injury derailed their plans at the position.
SDSU had brought in former Iowa guard Trey Buchanan to run the point, but a season-ending injury during non-conference play forced coach Bryan Petersen to shuffle shooting guards into the role. Buchanan will return healthy in 2026-27, but Petersen wasn't taking any chances, hitting the portal hard to solidify the backcourt.
Ryans Brings Experience and Leadership
The 6-foot-3 Grand Rapids, Michigan native started all 31 games for Western Michigan last season, averaging 7.5 points per game. He also started eight games as a freshman in 2025, giving him two full seasons of college experience under his belt.
Ryans said Petersen's pitch was straightforward and exactly what he wanted to hear.
Kind of the pitch was he needed a leader, a guy with more experience like myself, especially starting every game last year and starting a couple of games my freshman year. He said he needed that guy and needed a guy that kind of could steer his ship almost.
That leadership role appealed to Ryans immediately.
That's exactly the role I wanted, a leadership role, helping guys out. I think that's one of my strengths is being a leader and helping other guys out, especially like our freshmen and other guys that haven't played as much.
Familiarity with the Program
Ryans wasn't completely unfamiliar with South Dakota State before entering the portal. He recalled watching the Jackrabbits during their tournament run, specifically their game against Iowa State.
I used to watch them. Especially when they made the tournament, I watched them against Iowa State. Those guys like Baylor Scheierman, I remember watching those guys when I was a little younger.
Connections also helped speed up the recruiting process. Ryans' assistant coach at Western Michigan had previously coached alongside Petersen at Iowa State, and SDSU reached out on the very first day he entered the portal.
He kind of almost sold me first day. I definitely loved what they had going on from the jump, especially his kind of play and the type of guy he is. He's definitely the type of person you want to be coached by.
Ready to Run the Show
Coming in as a newcomer and immediately taking charge of the offense can be a challenge, but Ryans said the existing roster makes that transition easier.
I think our chemistry will click right away. We got a great group of guys, so that would definitely make it easy.
He specifically praised incoming players Joe Sayler, Jesse Van Kalsbeek, and Jon Mekonnen, saying their talent alone simplifies his job at the point.
Especially playing in an open gym with them today, I can just see like how good they're going to be this year. And that definitely makes my job so much easier.
Learning from Tough Seasons
Western Michigan went just 10-21 last season, but Ryans said those difficult experiences shaped him as a player. He's been in tight games and faced adversity, which he believes will help him navigate whatever situations come his way at SDSU.
I've seen a lot, especially been in tight games. I've been in a lot of different situations my first two years. I know what to do kind of having that experience.
He also acknowledged the lessons learned from losing.
I haven't done a lot of winning in the past, but from those mistakes, you know, I can always learn. I've done a lot of learning my last two years and definitely ready to use that learning and help the other guys that made the same mistakes I've made.
Areas for Improvement
Ryans identified two key areas he's focused on this offseason: consistency from three-point range and processing the game faster. He also addressed Petersen's desire for more players who can attack the basket and get downhill, something SDSU lacked during their jump-shot heavy offense last year.
When I definitely put my mind to it, I think I can score, especially when the game allows me to and when I need it. When my team needs me to score, I can definitely go get one for sure.
Buying Into Team Success
In an era where the transfer portal often encourages players to prioritize individual interests, Ryans said this SDSU roster shares a common mindset.
I think we all have kind of the same values, which is definitely rare, like you said, in the portal era. I think our staff did a great job of recruiting the same type of guys that all want a championship, have a championship mentality.
He credited the coaching staff for assembling a group that connected quickly and shares the same goal of winning a Summit League title.
Looking Forward to the Crowd
Ryans also expressed excitement about playing in front of SDSU's passionate fan base, which regularly packs Frost Arena and turns the Summit League tournament in Sioux Falls into a raucous environment.
Man, I'm really looking forward to it. It's just so fun playing in front of a crowd, especially great fans. So I'm definitely really excited for that.
With Buchanan healthy again and Ryans bringing experience and leadership to the backcourt, the Jackrabbits are positioning themselves for a bounce-back season in 2026-27. For Iowa fans keeping an eye on regional programs, SDSU's aggressive approach to the portal signals they're serious about returning to the top of the Summit League.