Former DSU Coach Justin Wetzel Reflects on 2017 Season

Justin Wetzel was the Head Men’s Basketball Coach for Dickinson State University (DSU) from 2014-2017. In that time Wetzel’s coaching led DSU to the 2017 Regular season Championship. Wetzel recently reconnected with the DSU Heritage Foundation to share some memories and lessons from his time at DSU.

Raised in Montana and a basketball player for Dawson Community College, Wetzel was coaching at Montana State University when Ty Orton, now Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF) stepped down as head coach. Wetzel was persuaded to apply because of his respect for the DSU Men’s Basketball program and personal interest in a head coaching position. The 2017 regular season championship was won at home on the DSU court, a moment that still resonates with Wetzel. “For 3 years our focus was to give our players an opportunity at an education and give them the opportunity to call themselves a champion,” said Wetzel. “I felt grateful to be able to leave DSU knowing we accomplished those.” Since leaving DSU in 2017 Wetzel has coached in the NBA G League for the Bucks, Rockets, Wizards, and Pacers Organization.

While coaching college basketball, Wetzel was always aware of the different scholarships made for his student athletes, and his ability to recruit and develop players. “Recruiting is the lifeblood of an organization. Having the resources to recruit the correct fit, both talent and character directly correlate to success. Thanks to the foundation and booster club, we helped provide a number of young men who were normally overlooked and passed up in the recruiting process an opportunity to earn an education and play college basketball.

Alongside coaching in the NBA G League, Wetzel is the founder of the Native American Basketball Coaches Association, which just recently hosted their first in-person coaching clinic. He advises current DSU students not to take any moment for granted, as Wetzel still has a great appreciation for the memories and friends made during his time at DSU.

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Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer