Beavers Basketball Roster Highlights Local Talent Ahead of Season

The Bemidji State University (BSU) men’s basketball team is gearing up for a season marked by local talent, with a roster predominantly composed of players from Minnesota. Among them is Dominic Fairbanks, a sophomore guard who continues to call Cass Lake home, having graduated from Cass Lake-Bena High School in 2024. His decision to join BSU was driven by the desire to stay close to family and follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Brady Fairbanks, who played for the Beavers from 2007 to 2010.

With twelve out of the fourteen players hailing from Minnesota, the team has a strong local identity. Only two players, Logan Sipple from Shawano, Wisconsin, and Eddie Jallow Hedvqist from Stockholm, Sweden, break this trend. The shared backgrounds among the players foster strong relationships both on and off the court. Fairbanks noted, “I just feel like it made us closer as a group, as a team, as friends in general.”

Local Roots and Growing Talent

Head coach Mike Boschee has made it a priority to retain local talent, viewing the proximity to home as a significant recruitment advantage. “Bemidji State’s a unique place, it’s a beautiful place,” he said, emphasizing the appeal for players from the area. The popularity of basketball in Minnesota has surged, leading to increased recruitment from across the state. Notable players like Chet Holmgren and Paige Bueckers have emerged in recent years, raising the profile of Minnesota basketball.

Boschee has witnessed a remarkable shift since he began coaching at BSU in the 2012-13 season, when only five out of fourteen players were from Minnesota. He attributes the growing talent pool to intensified participation in youth basketball programs, particularly in the AAU circuit. “There’s basketball games going on all spring, summer and fall, and it’s not slowing down,” he explained. This increased exposure, combined with a trend of specialization in basketball, has contributed to the enhanced skill level seen in players today.

Season Kickoff and Team Aspirations

The Beavers are set to commence their season at the Central Region Challenge in Pittsburg, Kansas, on November 14, 2023, facing Henderson State and Southern Arkansas. This tournament marks the beginning of what the team hopes will be their first winning season since 2022-23, when they finished with a record of 20-11 and reached the NSIC Tournament semifinals.

As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, Boschee is particularly interested in how his players will respond to adversity. “I think the big thing for this team is that when they face adversity, how are they going to respond?” he said. His goal is to see the team reach its full potential through positive responses to challenges.

The Beavers’ home opener is scheduled for November 21 against Oak Hills at the BSU Gymnasium. Players like Isaak Eenhuis are anticipated to make significant contributions after recovering from injuries. Boschee expressed enthusiasm about Eenhuis’s return, highlighting the hard work he has put in during recovery.

With a roster rich in local talent and a strong coaching philosophy, the Bemidji State Beavers are poised for an exciting season ahead. Fans are eager to witness how this close-knit team will perform against regional competition, setting the stage for a thrilling basketball journey.