University of Minnesota Duluth fifth-year head coach Justin Wieck has announced the signing of two student-athletes to become members of the men's basketball team. The 2023 recruiting class features two players from the state of Minnesota. Owen Leach (Glyndon, Minn.) and Treyton Smith (Osseo, Minn.) make up Coach Wieck's fifth recruiting class for the Bulldogs.  

"We couldn't be more excited with the talent of these two young men," said Wieck. "These guys were two of our top targets that we identified in the recruiting process this summer. We are committed to recruiting the best players in Minnesota that fit who we are at UMD and where our program is headed in the future. Both are extremely talented players, exemplify the values & high character of our program, come from fantastic families, and fit the culture of hard work in our locker room."

Leach is a 6-foot-6 wing from Glyndon, Minn. Owen plays for DGF High School, under head coach Mike Clark. He is listed as the No. 21 ranked prospect in the Minnesota 2023 class by Prep Hoops Minnesota. He averaged 29.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a junior, helping lead his team to a 20-6 record. Leach was honored as Conference MVP and has tallied 1,892 career points. Owen played travel AAU basketball with the Grassroots Sizzle basketball club. He is the son of Chad & Lindsey Leach.

"Owen will deliver a big time dynamic to our team next year," said Wieck. "He brings a unique skill set to our program. He can really shoot the ball from the 3pt line, which is a huge part of our offense. But he is also a strong, high motored wing that can score in the post, rebound, and defend. I love how hard he competes in everything he does. His ability to play & defend multiple positions is why Owen is a great fit for our program."

"I chose UMD because of the relationships I was able to build with the coaches this summer," said Leach. "The city of Duluth, the people of Duluth and landscape of Duluth speaks for itself. I'm excited to be a Bulldog and join a successful basketball program. I look forward to playing in front of the great Bulldogs fans each winter!"

Smith is a 6-foot-6 wing from Osseo, Minn. Treyton plays for Osseo High School under head coach Tim Theisen. He is listed as the No. 15 ranked prospect in the Minnesota 2023 class by Prep Hoops Minnesota. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a junior on a senior heavy team, while helping his club to a 21-8 record. Smith played travel AAU basketball with the Northstar Titans basketball club. Trey is the son of Larry Smith and Terri Kane. 

"We're excited to add Trey to our basketball program," said Wieck. "Trey's combination of size, athleticism and skill has a chance to be a tremendous basketball player in the NSIC. He is just scratching the surface and is poised for a breakout senior season. He has proven this off-season to be one of the better scorers in the state. As he adds strength, he has a chance to be special in our program." 

"I chose UMD because it felt like Home," said Smith. "I loved the city of Duluth, Lake Superior and the UMD Campus. It felt comfortable to me. I'm excited to join a top tier basketball program with a staff who will help me thrive on and off the court."


The Bulldogs are coming off a historic 25-6 campaign during the 2021-22 season. Currently ranked #7 in the NABC Top 25 national polls, UMD begins their season November 11 & 12, hosting the American Family Insurance Classic in Romano Gymnasium.