Article by Gideon Teuber. Photo by Nathaly Delgado.
The departure of a key piece from a successful season is never easy for a team. Well, for St. Cloud State Men’s Basketball, that reality became official last week as standout guard Luke Winkel announced his transfer to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
Winkel emerged as one of the Huskies’ most reliable and dynamic players last season, when he came in as a freshman. He leaves behind a strong legacy in St. Cloud. As he became a cornerstone of the team’s success in the past two seasons. Winkel is coming off a season where he averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. His ability to score at all three levels and create opportunities for teammates made him one of the most difficult matchups in the whole NSIC conference.
From the start of the season, Winkel’s presence was felt. Whether it was knocking down clutch shots late in games or providing a steady offensive rhythm, he consistently delivered in big moments. His performances helped propel the Huskies through a standout season, one defined by team chemistry and consistent execution.
Now, that chapter ends as Winkel looks ahead to a new opportunity playing at the Division I level at North Dakota. The move marks a significant addition for the Fighting Hawks, who gain a proven scorer and experienced guard capable of making an immediate impact. UND finished 3rd in the Summit League last year and are looking to climb the ranks next season.
For St. Cloud State, the focus shifts to replacing not just Winkel’s production, but also his presence. While the Huskies return a strong core from last season, filling the void of a leading scorer is no small task. Still, the foundation of the program remains strong. Coming off a
successful season, expectations will continue to rise, and the opportunity is there for new leaders to step into bigger roles.
Winkel’s time in St. Cloud may be over, but his impact on the program won’t be forgotten. As he begins the next chapter of his career, the Huskies will look to build on the historic season they had.
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