duluthnewstribune
The University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team has been chosen as the clear favorite to win the NSIC North Division, according to a preseason coaches' poll released on Friday. Every North Division coach who was eligible to vote selected the Bulldogs for first place, with UMD's own Justin Wieck unable to cast a ballot for his team.
Redshirt senior point guard Caleb Siwek was honored as the North Division's preseason player of the year. Last season, Siwek averaged 15.6 points and 20 assists per game and earned most valuable player honors at the NSIC tournament in March.
Head coach Justin Wieck praised Siwek's development in a news release, stating that after a strong postseason run in both the NSIC and NCAA tournaments, the guard is positioned for his best season yet. Wieck noted that returning Siwek to primary point guard responsibilities will allow him to excel at what he does best for the team. The coach also highlighted Siwek's composure and maturity as a leader, as well as his versatile scoring ability that the Bulldogs will depend on during conference play.
In the overall 16-team NSIC preseason poll, UMD was picked to finish third. Minnesota State Mankato and St. Cloud State, which tied for first in the South Division poll, were ranked ahead of the Bulldogs. The Mavericks received eight first-place votes, the Huskies six, and UMD and Augustana one each.
Southwest Minnesota State was tabbed fourth, followed by Concordia-St. Paul, Augustana, Winona State, and Minnesota State Moorhead to round out the top half of the voting.
The Bulldogs will open their season by hosting Division III Carleton on Nov. 1, before beginning conference play on Nov. 24 at Bemidji State.
Originally reported by duluthnewstribune.