FULL NSIC RELEASE ON ALL TEAMS

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - MSUM Men's Basketball was voted #2 in the 2022-23 NSIC preseason coaches poll and senior guard Gavin Baumgartner was tabbed as the team's player to watch.  

The University of Minnesota Duluth was selected by the league coaches as the preseason favorite receiving 222 points, garnering 13 first places votes to sit 16 points ahead of second place MSU Moorhead. The Dragons had 206 points and a first-place vote. Wayne State was third with 197 points and the final two first place votes.

In the divisional rankings, UMD was the unanimous choice in the north, picking up all seven first place votes for 49 points. MSU Moorhead was second with 43 points and the other first place vote. In the south, Wayne State was the unanimous choice with 49 points and seven first place votes.  Upper Iowa was second with 39 points and the other first place vote.
 

"We are fortunate to bring back a core group from last years NSIC Tournament Championship team. This team has shown a great investment towards their teammates and this program in the pre season. Our four veteran seniors have served as outstanding leaders for this team and making sure we are improving. It's fulfilling to coach men who are bought in on getting better each day. Excited to see how players step up and assume new roles in a league full extremely good teams and coaches."

-Head Coach Tim Bergstraser

NSIC coaches rank each team from 1 to 15 with a first-place vote receiving 15 points, second place 14, third place 13, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own players in the preseason poll.The NSIC regular season championship will be based on the 22-game schedule. Each team will play teams in their division twice (14) and teams in the other division once (8). An NSIC North and South Division Champion will also be awarded. Divisional standings will also be based on all 22 NSIC contests played. In the case of a tie, co-champions will be awarded. The 12-team NSIC / Sanford Health Women's Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place February 25-28 at the Sanford Health Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. The top two seeds in each division will receive a first-round bye. First round games will be played on campus on Wednesday, Feb. 22.


BAUMGARTNER NAMED MSUM PLAYER TO WATCH
Senior guard Gavin Baumgartner from Wayata, Minn. was an All-NSIC Second Team honoree in 2021-22.  He started 29 of 31 games, playing more than anyone on the team with 30.8 minutes per game.  He averaged 11.8 points per game on 43 percent shooting.  He also averaged 4.6 rebounds per game and 3.3 assist per game.

"Gavin is an extremely driven man who has been an incredible leader for us in his 6 years here at MSUM. It's been a privilege to coach such a competitive athlete who brings it every day for his teammates. His well balanced game has allowed him to thrive in one of the best leagues in the nation. I'm confident to say that he is respected throughout the conference because of who he is as a person and his consistent level of play. He's had an outstanding career as a Dragon and I'm Fired Up for the journey with Gavin and the team in his final season."

-Head Coach Tim Bergstraser