Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team – which finished 26-9 a year ago – has been picked third in the 2009-10 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Coaches Preseason Poll.
The Mavericks, who finished 14-6 and in a three-way tie for third-place in the circuit a year ago, accumulated 164 points and two first-place votes in the poll. The poll was voted on by all 14 teams in the NSIC.
St. Cloud State was tabbed the preseason favorite, garnering 171 points and three first-place votes. Winona State was picked second with 169 points and six first-place votes, while Southwest Minnesota State – the defending league and regional champion – was picked fourth with 143 points and two first place votes.
Minnesota State senior center
Travis Nelson (Marion, Iowa) was selected as the league's Preseason Player of the Year. Nelson, who has been named to the DII Bulletin Preseason All-American team, was the 2009 NSIC Newcomer of the Year after averaging 14.3 points per game and 5.6 rebounds.
Minnesota State opens its 2009-10 campaign Nov. 15 with a 3 p.m., home contest against Monmouth (Ill.).
2009-10 NSIC MBB Coaches Preseason Poll
| Rank |
Team (1st Place Votes) |
Points |
| 1 |
St. Cloud State (3) |
171 |
| 2 |
Winona State (6) |
169 |
| 3 |
Minnesota State (2) |
164 |
| 4 |
Southwest Minnesota State (2) |
143 |
| 5 |
Augustana |
136 |
| 6 |
Concordia |
117 |
| 7 |
Northern State |
113 |
| 8 |
Minnesota Duluth |
97 |
| 9 |
Bemidji State |
89 |
| 10 |
Wayne State |
65 |
| 11 |
MSU Moorhead |
60 |
| 12 |
Upper Iowa |
59 |
| 13 |
University of Mary |
45 |
| 14 |
Minnesota, Crookston |
28 |
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