The Southern Utah University men’s basketball team highlighted its historic 2020-21 season in an announcement on Apr. 16, recalling a year that saw the Thunderbirds secure the Big Sky Conference regular season championship.
The achievement is significant as it marked the program’s first conference title since the 2000-01 season and its first outright regular-season championship since 1994-95. The success came during a period of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, making the accomplishment stand out in school history.
Southern Utah finished with a record of 20 wins and four losses, which was the highest winning percentage in school history. The team also posted a dominant record of twelve wins and two losses in conference play. Key contributors included Tevian Jones, who ranked among conference leaders in scoring and shooting percentages; Dre Marin, who became SUU’s all-time leader in games played while averaging twelve points per game; John Knight III, who led the conference in field goal percentage; and Maizen Fausett, who was eighth in rebounding within the Big Sky.
Statistically, Southern Utah led or ranked near the top of several categories including scoring offense, scoring margin, rebounding margin, defensive rebounds, assists, steals, offensive rebounds, field goal percentage and three-point field goals made. The Thunderbirds also completed an undefeated home schedule at America First Event Center for only the second time since joining Division I.
Although postseason results did not meet expectations for Southern Utah that year, players and staff view their regular-season title as a milestone that continues to influence current preparations as they rejoin the Big Sky Conference. “It’s more than just a championship; it’s a blueprint for the future,” said those involved with SUU Athletics.
As Southern Utah looks ahead to new opportunities within familiar territory of their conference homecoming, they do so carrying lessons from what has become one of their most successful seasons.
