Miles Barnstable helps lead Tommy’s men as the team’s star rises

ST. PAUL, Minn. — It is difficult to quantify growth, but it is worth a try for a University of St. Thomas basketball team that entered Division 1 in 2021. In any way, this season is another step forward.

“We’ve had some big wins and we’ve had some tough losses,” Tommies head coach Johnny Tauer said. “But to be 12-5 at this point in the season, ranked in the top 100 in the NET rankings for the first time in program history, the excitement around the program, holistically, I don’t think I could be much happier.”

Reloading from three key graduating starters, the Tommies turned to Division 3 UW-Whitewater junior transfer guard Miles Barnstable. He has been a high-scoring revelation, averaging 15 points a game and coming off a 30-point outburst.

“There are a lot of great Division 3 players, now not all of them are as good as Miles,” Tauer said. “He’s special. And there’s no question that last year when we were recruiting guys, there were a lot of Division 1 guys available, really good Division 2 transfers, we really focused on him on the perimeter for a myriad of reasons, but one of them he is a prolific goalscorer.”

Barnstable says there have been some bumps in the road during the transition from D3 to D1.

“I was just fortunate enough to come here in the summer with these guys and be able to work out with them,” Barnstable said. “I struggled a bit during the year, but it’s looked seamless. But there’s still more to it, but yeah, it’s been a good transition.”

On Wednesday night, South Dakota State comes to St. Paul to face the Tommies in the midst of their budding rivalry. Last year, SDSU beat St. Thomas three times, all by narrow margins. There is a little extra motivation for a team that dominates at home.

“We didn’t beat them last year, then beat them this year,” junior guard Kendall Blue said. “We always want to win every game we play … but it’s always a little more fun when you have a conference rival, especially on your home court, you have to defend the home court.”

Progress continues for the Tommies, with a growing jurisdiction of Minnesota basketball fans.

“We have a $200 million arena coming next year. We’re looking forward to the day we’re eligible to play in the NCAA tournament. And those are all things on the horizon,” Tauer said. “I think what our guys are so good at is understanding today, that’s all we can do.”