Kaleb Stewart

Kaleb Stewart is a disciplined guard for the University of South Dakota, competing in the Summit League where guard play and pace control often decide tight conference games. A steady presence in Eric Peterson’s rotation, Stewart brings poise, smart shot selection, and defensive accountability to a Coyotes team built on ball movement and pressure defense. In the 2024 season he appeared in 31 games and logged meaningful minutes, posting 3.1 points per game while providing dependable perimeter defense, secondary ball handling, and screening actions that free scorers on the wing. His role is not defined by headline numbers but by the connective tissue plays that stabilize possessions, a leadership style grounded in communication and execution. For a program that measures itself against the best in the Summit League and schedules ambitious nonconference tests with NCAA Tournament implications, Stewart’s reliability has become a competitive advantage.

Before arriving in Vermillion, Stewart refined his game across the Midwest high school circuit and summer showcase events, learning to read defensive coverages and to value the ball against extended pressure. Early coaches emphasize that he embraced the hard details of guard play, from spacing angles to weakside tagging and late clock management. The developmental arc shows in his college film, where he toggles smoothly between the point and off guard spots, keeps the ball ahead in transition, and treats every defensive possession with urgency. Those habits earned him trust quickly in a college locker room that prizes maturity and role clarity. His decision to join South Dakota aligned with a philosophy that blends modern spacing with old school discipline, a fit that allowed him to impact games without forcing shots. Across rivalry nights with North Dakota State and South Dakota State, and scouting driven matchups versus Oral Roberts and Denver, he has proven comfortable in high leverage minutes typical of Summit League competition.

Within the Coyotes scheme Stewart serves as an organizer, a connector, and a situational shot maker. He has shown progression as a catch and shoot threat, understands when to attack a switch with a quick straight line drive, and recognizes when the best play is to flatten the offense and reenter a handoff to reset timing. Defensively he picks up early, shades drivers to help, and finishes possessions with simple fundamentals, keeping hands high and rebounding his area. Coaches often cite his game management skills, a trait that reflects film study and a willingness to master scouting language. His profile invites comparisons to veteran collegiate guards who outlast opponents through economy of motion and decision making rather than raw usage, the kind of guard depth that successful mid majors rely on in March.

• High basketball IQ with calm late game decision making and clock control
• Disciplined point of attack defender who communicates switches and tags
• Reliable catch and shoot mechanics from the perimeter with improving release speed
• Unselfish secondary creator who keeps the ball moving and maintains spacing
• Strong practice habits and vocal leadership that elevate team standards

Stewart’s influence extends beyond the floor, where he exemplifies the academic athletic balance expected at the University of South Dakota. He maintains strong progress toward his degree while participating in community initiatives that connect Coyotes athletes with youth programs across the region. In the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness landscape he approaches partnerships with care, prioritizing local organizations whose missions align with education, health, and service. Teammates and staff describe him as consistent, early to meetings, and detail oriented, traits that transmit stability through a long conference season. Those habits echo in film sessions where he offers observations with humility and in campus engagements where he represents the program with professionalism.

Looking ahead, Kaleb Stewart projects as a veteran leader whose value will compound with experience, the kind of guard who helps navigate February road trips and seeds postseason confidence. Continued refinement of his pull up range and free throw rate can widen his offensive bandwidth, but the foundation is already strong, anchored by defense, spacing, and decision making. In a league known for tactical execution and tough road environments, his steadiness gives South Dakota a trustworthy compass. Stewart’s legacy will be defined by the quiet excellence of doing small things well, and by a simple message to younger players, build habits, serve the team, and the game will reward you.