MANKATO, Minn. – As he prepares to begin his 26th season leading the Minnesota State men's basketball program, head coach
Matt Margenthaler has been recognized as one of Silver Waves Media's Top 50 Most Impactful NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Coaches.
Margenthaler was one of just two coaches from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference to earn the distinction, joining Minnesota Duluth's Justin Wieck on the national list.
According to Silver Waves Media, the honor recognizes "leadership, sustained success, and meaningful impact on student-athletes, programs, and the Division II basketball community."
Over 25 seasons in Mankato, Margenthaler has established Minnesota State as one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II. He owns a career record of 529-235 (.692) with the Mavericks, highlighted by eight conference championships, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, and the program's first-ever NCAA Division II National Championship during the 2023-24 season.
The 2023-24 campaign stands among the greatest in school history. Minnesota State finished 35-2 and captured its first national title while setting single-season program records for points scored (3,141), field goals made (1,159), field goals attempted (2,362), three-pointers made (342), three-pointers attempted (895), rebounds (1,431), games played (37), wins (35), and winning percentage (.945).
Margenthaler's impact has extended far beyond team success. Under his leadership, the Mavericks have produced seven All-Americans, including Malik Willingham, who earned D2CCA First Team All-America honors after averaging 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during the national championship season.
At the conference level, 54 Mavericks have earned All-NCC or All-NSIC recognition during Margenthaler's tenure, including 14 All-NCC selections and 40 All-NSIC honorees.
A seven-time Conference Coach of the Year, Margenthaler has guided the development of eight conference newcomers of the year, two freshmen of the year, five defensive players of the year, and four conference most valuable players. Since Minnesota State joined the NSIC, 57 Mavericks have earned Academic All-NSIC recognition.
The winningest coach in Minnesota State men's basketball history, Margenthaler has served on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Board of Directors since 2014 and is serving as the organization's president during the 2025-26 season. He has led the Mavericks to 16 seasons with 20 or more wins and two 30-win campaigns (2013-14 and 2023-24).
Before arriving at Minnesota State, Margenthaler spent six seasons as an assistant coach at South Dakota State, helping the Jackrabbits compile a 135-39 record (.775) from 1996-2001, win three NCC championships, make four NCAA postseason appearances, and advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. A 1991 graduate of Western Illinois, Margenthaler was a First Team Academic Mid-Continent selection during the 1990-91 season.
The No. 9-ranked Mavericks open the 2026-27 season Friday at noon CT in Kansas City, Mo., against Missouri S&T. Minnesota State's home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, when the Mavericks host Dakota State at 7 p.m. in the Taylor Center.
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Silver Waves Media Top 50
