Braxton Gregory
Sports Editor
Idaho State men’s basketball enters the 2025–26 season with heightened expectations, a retooled roster, and one of the deepest frontcourts in the Big Sky Conference.
Now in his seventh year leading the Bengals, head coach Ryan Looney begins the season with 400 career victories. Idaho State was picked fifth in the Big Sky media poll and eighth by coaches, marking its highest preseason media ranking of the Looney era.
The Bengals’ roster blends six returning players with nine newcomers, combining proven collegiate scorers, defensive specialists, and national award winners.
At the center of Idaho State’s identity is sophomore forward Evan Otten, the reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year. Otten started all 30 games last season, averaging 5.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while tying the conference’s freshman record for blocks. His defensive presence helped the Bengals finish among the Big Sky’s top teams in scoring defense and blocked shots.
Graduate forward Connor Hollenbeck returns as a steady interior and perimeter contributor after starting every game a season ago. He ranked among Idaho State’s most efficient shooters, hitting 44.8 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 85.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Joining Hollenbeck in the frontcourt is Caleb Van De Griend, a senior transfer from Minot State who brings an All-American résumé and consistent double-double production. Van De Griend led NCAA Division II in both rebounds per game (13.1) and double-doubles (30) last year while setting single-season program records for points and rebounds.
Looney said rebounding will again be a defining part of Idaho State’s success this season.
“We’ve worked really hard the last two years to drill into our players, building those habits with their offensive and defensive rebounding,” said head coach Ryan Looney.
Idaho State also fortified its backcourt with two experienced transfers, Gus Etchison and Jamison Guerra. Both are proven playmakers with scoring ability and leadership experience. Etchison averaged more than 22 points per game last season at Marian University, while Guerra led the NAIA in total assists at Oregon Tech.
Perimeter depth comes from Lachlan Brewer, a sophomore transfer who shot 45 percent from three at Sacramento State, and Quin Patterson, who opened his Idaho State career with an 18-point performance in the season opener.
Behind them, returners Cheikh Sow, Jaedyn Brown, Martin Kheil, and Blake Daberkow provide size, defensive versatility, and familiarity with Looney’s system.
For fans, the early signs have been encouraging.
The Bengals’ 2–0 start has been a promising signal, but the program’s focus is centered on sustaining progress within the Big Sky. Idaho State’s combination of size, balance, and experience offers the potential to contend in a conference historically dominated by Montana and Portland State.
“I’m very excited for the season ahead and thrilled with what the team has shown us fans as they’ve worked hard to build their identity,” said Idaho State student and super fan Eddie Obray.
