Photo provided by NDSU Athletics

Q&A

Dave Richman is no stranger to success; however, his 2025-2026 Bison had arguably more success than any other team in program history, setting the school record for total wins in a season by going 27-7 and winning the Summit League Regular Season and Tournament titles.

NDSU went on to the NCAA tournament, where they lost in the first round to Michigan State 92-67.

 

Q: How did you see the team evolve over the season?

A: I think the chemistry was there for the most part all year, and it just continued to grow. They had a mindset to keep working and keep getting better, and that created a better version of ourselves.

 

Q: What have you learned this year?

A: Enjoy it, and appreciate it.

 

Q: What was the message to the team after starting 1–3?

A: Keep getting better. If we would have been 3–1, it would still have been to keep getting better—that’s always our focus.

We talk a lot about Monday mornings. No matter what we did over the weekend, it’s an opportunity to get better. Especially with a lot of new guys on new rosters, it’s about continuing to figure things out— who’s who, what they do well, what we do well together—and just continuing to work to get better.

 

Q: Did you see this team setting the program record for wins?

A: I don’t really set benchmarks like that. I always see us getting better, and if we happen to break records along the way, great. Our focus is working toward winning. If you do the right things every day—on the court, off the court—you’re going to take care of business.

 

Q: Has that mindset always been there for you?

A: Yeah, it’s not recent. There’s no secret to success—it’s a lot of hard work. It’s about a daily drive to get better, continuing to challenge yourself, continuing to be uncomfortable to do those things.

 

Q: What were your thoughts after the buzzer sounded in Sioux Falls?

A: I think there was a lot of appreciation, a lot of joy, a lot of excitement—and validation. Validation is a big one. Our process is very challenging, and in this day and age, there’s a level of appreciation for a group that’s more about winning than they are about themselves.

 

Q: What did it mean to be named summit league coach of the year?

A: It means I’m smart enough to surround myself with great people. Bison basketball is about a lot of things—the last thing it’s about is Dave Richman.

 

Q: What would you say is special about bison basketball right now?

A: It’s about people. In my opinion, this isn’t just a team—it’s a family. It’s a group of guys who have sacrificed a ton. They continue to show up, work hard, and love each other. They understand the love that comes from their coach— sometimes it’s a hug, sometimes it’s a kick in the butt.

Did You Know?

Dave Richman was named the Summit League Coach of the Year for the 2025-2026 season, an award he has now won twice.