Van De Griend Named Blue Ribbon Newcomer of the Year, Bengals Picked Third in Big Sky

POCATELLO, Idaho – Blue Ribbon Yearbook tabbed Idaho State forward Caleb Van De Griend as the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year and a member of the Preseason All-Conference Team, while projecting the Bengals to finish third in its 2025–26 men's basketball forecast.

Van De Griend, a graduate transfer from Minot State University, arrives in Pocatello following one of the most decorated seasons in NCAA Division II basketball last year. He led the nation in rebounds per game (13.1) and double-doubles (30), earning NABC and D2CCA All-America honors while helping Minot State to its first-ever NCAA National Tournament berth.

The Bridgetown, Australia native set single-season school records for both scoring (20.9 ppg) and rebounds (465), finishing with 1,046 career points and ranking third all-time at Minot State in career rebounds (703). He also shot an impressive 70.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-23 from three-point range. Along the way, Van De Griend was named to the Bevo Francis Top 25 Watch List, collected the BESPY awards for Most Improved Athlete and Male Athlete of the Year, and was honored on multiple NSIC All-Academic Teams.

Van De Griend played in all 36 games last season, leading the Beavers to a program-best No. 4 national ranking and a 17-0 start. He reunites at Idaho State with former Minot State teammate Connor Hollenbeck, joining a Bengal roster returning depth across the floor.

Blue Ribbon's forecast placed Idaho State behind only Montana and Portland State in the preseason standings:

Blue Ribbon Big Sky Forecast

1. Montana

2. Portland State

3. Idaho State

4. Idaho

5. Weber State

6. Eastern Washington

7. Northern Colorado

8. Sacramento State

9. Montana State

10. Northern Arizona

Blue Ribbon Preseason All-Conference Team

• F – Caleb Van De Griend, Idaho State

• F – Terri Miller, Portland State

• G – Jaylin Henderson, Portland State

• G – Money Williams, Montana

• G – Kolton Mitchell, Idaho

Williams was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year.

Idaho State opens the 2025–26 season on Friday, October 24th with an exhibition match as they host Northwest University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Stay connected with Bengal Basketball all season long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.