The University of Minnesota Duluth Men's Basketball team was slated to finish first in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) this season in today's preseason coaches poll. UMD received a total 195 points in the poll, including 13 first place votes, to finish a total 18 points ahead of the second place Minnesota State University Mankato. UMD fell in last year's NSIC Championship game to Minnesota State University Moorhead, but would secure a NCAA tournament bid and go on to win the central region and make their first Elite Eight appearance in program history.
"Coming off a Central Region Title, we're excited to return all 5 starters and a few very key rotational players as well. After a summer foreign trip to Spain, it was evident the mentality, work ethic & togetherness of our team remains strong. Expectations are high in Bulldog Country, but every season is a fresh journey. Our team is excited to compete in the always tough NSIC Conference." - UMD Head Coach Justin Wieck.
Graduate student guard Drew Blair is crowned as UMD's NSIC Player to Watch and the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year after his standout performance throughout last season. Blair led the conference in four different statistical categories, including points and field goals made, and was at least top three in another four categories. Blair currently stands as the program leader for total field goal attempts, 3-pt field goal attempts, and 3-pt field goals made. He will look to break the program record for career points early on this season, where he only remains 27 points behind current program leader Brandon Myer (2016-19).
"Drew has established himself as one of the best scorers in the country. Entering his 5th year on the court, he is as healthy as he has been in awhile & continues to find ways to help us win. Drew is closing in on a few UMD individual records, but is focused on helping our team achieve at a high level. His approach this Summer/Fall has been phenomenal. He's a winner & a fantastic teammate off the court." - UMD Head Coach Justin Wieck.
UMD Men's Basketball will start off their season with an exhibition game versus the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire on November 1.
