The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) Golden Eagle Men’s Basketball was selected to finish 14th place in the 15-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the pre-season coaches poll. Defending National Champions Minnesota State-Mankato was picked to finish first. Minnesota State Moorhead was picked to finish second place, and Minnesota Duluth was picked to finish third place.
UMC will be led by Reid Grant (Sr., Johnston, Iowa). The transfer from North Dakota averaged over 14 points per game, 3.3 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field. Other returners are Aguek Deng (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa), Jordan Mitchell (Sr., Columbus, Ohio), and Ben Hoverson (Sr., Grand Forks, N.D.). UMC will also return Chandler Meeks (So., Omaha, Neb.) will return to the court this season after missing last year due to an injury. Meeks averaged eight points per game two years ago as a freshman.
The Golden Eagles will bring newcomers Christian Bowen-Webb (Jr., Atchison, Kan.), Micah Garrett (Jr., Portland, Ore.),
“I believe we have a group of guys that are hungry and willing to work to be able to compete in this league. We have added depth at every position which will make our practices more competitive,” said Golden Eagle Head Coach Brian Beamish. “This year we have a good amount of NSIC experience with returning players which we are going to need to lean on.”
The season kicks off for the Golden Eagles when they head to Duluth to compete in the NSIC/GAC Crossover. UMC opens the season on Nov. 8, against Oklahoma Baptist. The home opener will be on Nov. 17, when the Golden Eagles host Wisconsin Parkside.
POLL RESULTS –
1. MSU-Mankato (8) – 186
2. MSU-Moorhead (6) – 183
3. UM-Duluth (1) – 172
4. SW MN State – 152
5. Bemidji State – 121
6. Augustana – 117
7. Sioux Falls – 116
8. Concordia-St. Paul – 105
9. St. Cloud State – 96
10. Minot State – 90
11. Winona State – 84
12. Wayne State – 57
13. Northern State – 52
14. UM-Crookston – 24
15. U of Mary – 20
