Jackrabbit Jumps Out To National Audience

SIOUX FALLS, SD - March Madness is about here and it's going to get crazy at the Sioux Falls Arena, site of the the Summit League Basketball Tournament.

This is the fourth year Sioux Falls has hosted the event, but this year teams like SDSU will be getting national exposure like never before.

For the first time ever all of the men's and women's games during the Summit League Basketball Tournament will be televised nationally.

South Dakota State University is the only local team. 

" For SDSU it's a great opportunity to showcase our university first and foremost, we are really proud to be a part of a growing institution one we think does things the right way and to be able to show case our student athletes and that style of play," SDSU Athletic Director Justin Sell said.

There's no telling how many people will be watching across the country, but Sell says it's a golden opportunity for the athletes to get some name recognition and perhaps catch the eye of a pro scout. 

"You take a guy like Nate Wolters who is from Minnesota and comes in and is projected to be an NBA draft pick after he finishes next season and to get some national notoriety just brings that many more people in to what we do at SDSU," Sell said.

Stealing the national spotlight during the Summit Tournament is no slam dunk, but Sell thinks SDSU's unique mascot will help.

"I think there will be a lot of people out there just random fans who will say I like that Jackrabbit mascot, where is that school and those types of things you can't pay for that type of exposure, it would cost you millions and millions of dollars," Sell said.

All the first and second round games will be broadcast on Fox College Sports with ESPN televising the championships. For more on the Summit League Tournament tune into this week's Inside KELOLAND on Sunday night at 10:30 pm.