BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team has been picked to finish third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

"We appreciate the respect from the coaches around the league but nothing's guaranteed," head coach Matt Margenthaler said. "Our attention is on preparation, consistency and earning it every night."

Minnesota State received one first-place vote and 189 points to finish third in the poll. Southwest Minnesota State topped the poll with 11 first-place votes and 219 points, with St. Cloud State following in second with two first-place votes and 194 points.

The Mavericks were also picked to finish third in the NSIC South Division poll. SMSU and SCSU took the first two spots with 48 points and 44 points, respectively, while MSU received 31 points along with Augustana.

Maverick senior Malcolm Jones was named MSU's Player to Watch. Jones has played in 89 games during his three seasons at MSU. Last season, Jones average 4.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Against Southwest Minnesota State, Jones tallied 13 points and eight rebounds, to go along with two blocks.

Minnesota State opens its 2025-26 season weekend of Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 as it travels to St. Joseph, Mo., to take part in the CCA Tip-Off Classic. MSU opens with a 5:00 p.m. game against Northwest Missouri on Oct. 31, before taking on Pittsburg State on Nov. 2 at 4:00 p.m.