4 Rings And A New Era: The UW-Stevens Point Basketball Program's Resurgence Under Kent Dernbach
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Pointers men’s basketball program, a powerhouse in NCAA Division III history, concluded its 2024-2025 season with a strong 18-9 overall record and a 7-7 finish in the highly competitive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). This performance marked a significant step forward for the program, solidifying the foundation laid by Head Coach Kent Dernbach in his second season at the helm. The Pointers are now looking ahead to the 2025-2026 campaign, aiming to leverage their momentum and defensive identity to climb back to the top of the WIAC standings and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, echoing the dominance of their past championship teams.
The success of the 2024-2025 season was built on a stifling defense that has become the hallmark of the Pointers under Coach Dernbach. The team’s commitment to controlling the pace and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities proved effective, making them one of the toughest matchups in the conference. As the program enters its next phase, the blend of historical expectation and current strategic focus promises an exciting future for Pointers basketball.
The Legacy of Champions: UWSP Men's Basketball Historical Profile
The UW-Stevens Point Pointers are not just a successful Division III program; they are one of the most decorated in the nation, boasting a rich history of excellence that sets a high standard for every incoming player and coach. This tradition provides a powerful narrative that continues to drive the program's identity.
- Program Name: UW-Stevens Point Pointers
- Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
- Conference: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)
- Home Arena: Quandt Field House (Capacity: 2,800)
- Head Coach (Men's): Kent Dernbach (Appointed April 2023)
- Men's Coaching Staff (2025-2026): Head Coach Kent Dernbach, Assistant Coach Paul Combs, Assistant Coach Eddie Goldston
- NCAA Division III Men's National Championships: Four (4) Titles (2004, 2005, 2010, 2015)
- NCAA Division III Women's National Championships: One (1) Title (1987)
- Legendary Coach: John "Jack" Bennett (Led 2004 & 2005 Championships)
- Current Women's Head Coach: Matt Hockett
The Four-Time National Champions: A Tradition of Excellence
The Pointers’ most significant claim to fame is their incredible run of four NCAA Division III National Championships in a 12-year span. This level of sustained success is nearly unmatched at the Division III level, solidifying UWSP’s place in college basketball history.
The dynasty began under the guidance of legendary coach Jack Bennett, who led the team to back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005. Bennett's tenure established a culture of winning with integrity, a legacy so profound that the national Jack Bennett Award is now presented annually to a non-Division I coach who achieves success on the court while modeling the highest degree of integrity. The program continued its championship ways in 2010 and again in 2015, the latter with a decisive 70-54 victory over Augustana (IL), showcasing the program's signature stifling defense and balanced offense.
The connection to basketball royalty runs deeper, as Jack Bennett is the uncle of highly successful college coach Tony Bennett, further linking the Stevens Point program to a pedigree of defensive-minded excellence.
The Kent Dernbach Era: Building a Defensive Identity (2024-2025 Season Review)
The 2024-2025 season was a testament to the new direction of the program under Head Coach Kent Dernbach, who returned to Stevens Point in 2023 after having served as an associate head coach for six seasons. Dernbach, alongside Assistant Coaches Paul Combs and Eddie Goldston, has quickly re-established a defensive-first mindset that powered the Pointers to an 18-9 overall record.
The team's defensive prowess was the story of the season. UWSP finished the year as one of the top defensive units in the WIAC, allowing a meager 64.1 points per game to opponents. This defensive efficiency was a key factor in their success, particularly in conference play where every possession is highly contested. The Pointers' ability to generate turnovers and limit second-chance points proved to be the difference-maker in many close contests.
One of the standout performers embodying this defensive culture was Senior Forward Malik Abdul-Wahid, who was named to the WIAC All-Defensive Team for the 2024-2025 season. Abdul-Wahid’s relentless effort and versatility on the defensive end were crucial to the team's success, providing leadership and setting the tone for the entire squad.
Key Performance Indicators and Player Entity Focus
While defense was the calling card, the Pointers also demonstrated a balanced and efficient offense. The team averaged over 71 points per game and showcased a solid field goal percentage, indicating a focus on high-quality shots. The combination of strong defense and efficient offense allowed them to secure key victories and maintain a strong home record at the Quandt Field House, their primary basketball venue, which boasts a 2,800-seat capacity.
The Pointers’ 2024-2025 roster featured a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent. Key players, including the team’s leading scorer and top rebounder, whose consistent performance was vital to the team's 18 wins, often stepped up in crucial moments. These individual performances, combined with the collective defensive effort, are the building blocks Coach Dernbach will rely on for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The program’s future hinges on the continued development of these players and their ability to translate individual success into conference dominance.
The WIAC Landscape and Pointers' Future Outlook
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in NCAA Division III basketball, consistently producing multiple national contenders. The Pointers’ 7-7 conference record in 2024-2025 was a respectable finish, placing them in the upper half of the league standings, but the goal for the Kent Dernbach Era is clearly to return to the top.
The Pointers will face perennial challenges from rivals such as UW-Platteville, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Eau Claire. The intense rivalry games within the WIAC not only define the season but also serve as excellent preparation for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament.
Women's Basketball Program Overview
The success at UWSP extends beyond the men's team. The UW-Stevens Point Women's Basketball program, led by Head Coach Matt Hockett, also had a competitive 2024-2025 season, finishing with a 17-12 overall record and a 7-7 mark in the WIAC. The women's team also carries a national championship pedigree, having captured the 1987 NAIA National Championship. Key returning players, such as senior standout Maija Rice, are expected to lead the charge in the 2025-2026 season, continuing the tradition of competitive basketball at the Berg Gymnasium, the home court for the women's program.
The overall outlook for UW-Stevens Point basketball is bright. With a strong defensive identity firmly established, a dedicated coaching staff, and a legacy of four national championships to inspire them, the Pointers are well-positioned for a significant run in the next few seasons. Fans can look forward to seeing the Pointers return to the court in the 2025-2026 season, ready to compete for a WIAC title and their fifth national trophy.
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