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Many changes for all teams in the coming months, but might as well give it a “way-too-early” shot. I will make assumptions most teams will return the guys that have not yet entered the portal, which I know is certainly not going to happen. Only 15 nsic teams will also make the upcoming season unique.
1. UMD - really don’t lose anything (although I could see Blair and maybe brown thinking about trying to scratch that d1 itch). If they all stay, then UMD will likely be preseason favorite. Much like this year, Duluth has much talent but are missing something as they got handled too many times this past season. They probably need a transfer in the post and/or transfer pg. Brown also needs to return to form as he was too inconsistent. Not sure the UMD one-on-one style offensive ball can beat the top teams in conference or country.
2. Bemidgi - this may be a little high, but expectations will be high. Sutherland will get much love (deservingly so) in the preseason. Can they replace Kone? Can they handle such high expectations?
3. Augustana - the learning year under the belt should make Augustana ready for next season. They could still use a big guy or two to step forward, which I believe will happen. This high ranking may still be one year premature, but Augustana will definitely be better next year.
4. Northern - losing masten and Belka is a lot to replace. These two were the heart and soul of the team. Moni coming back is the key. If that is true, then Saul will likely find a way to stay near top. If Moni leaves then the rebuild is on. Moni likely negotiating six figure NIL deal as we speak. ;)
5. Smsu - still needs to add a guy or two, but they return a very strong core for next season. This may be too low, but smsu needs to prove it…is this the year?
6. Msum - dragons lose some tremendous seniors. Can coaches find guys to replace them? Msum does have Zimmer and Beeninga to work around, which are two very good returning pieces at very important positions. There are 4-5 guys that have been patiently waiting on the bench for two+ years. Time to seize the day…
7. Mankato - always looks good on paper, but seems like recent teams have chemistry issues or something. I’m sure magenthaler is getting frustrated. Willinghams are talented, but sometimes appear too concerned with flashy play, in my opinion.
8. Minot - probably too low here. I think Minot has a chance to be pretty good next year. Only lose dunfee.
9. Wayne st. - may be too high with losing many players to graduation and transfer portal. Kaminsky will have to rebuild a bit
10. UMary - return most of team from last season. Should be competitive again, but still missing top end talent to move too far up rankings.
11. USF - no Matt Cartwright means offense will likely struggle. They always do defend and rebound…
12. Winona - probably too low but another team that appears stuck on the train to nowhere. They got to prove it.
13. CSP - definitely a team trending higher but need to see it to believe it.
14. Scsu - many more questions then answers at the moment. I’m sure this is too low as new coach will likely bring in some more talent in year 2, but I’m working off the current roster.
15. Crookston - more of same until something changes. Maybe they can hire Harrison Cleary as coach?
1. UMD - really don’t lose anything (although I could see Blair and maybe brown thinking about trying to scratch that d1 itch). If they all stay, then UMD will likely be preseason favorite. Much like this year, Duluth has much talent but are missing something as they got handled too many times this past season. They probably need a transfer in the post and/or transfer pg. Brown also needs to return to form as he was too inconsistent. Not sure the UMD one-on-one style offensive ball can beat the top teams in conference or country.
2. Bemidgi - this may be a little high, but expectations will be high. Sutherland will get much love (deservingly so) in the preseason. Can they replace Kone? Can they handle such high expectations?
3. Augustana - the learning year under the belt should make Augustana ready for next season. They could still use a big guy or two to step forward, which I believe will happen. This high ranking may still be one year premature, but Augustana will definitely be better next year.
4. Northern - losing masten and Belka is a lot to replace. These two were the heart and soul of the team. Moni coming back is the key. If that is true, then Saul will likely find a way to stay near top. If Moni leaves then the rebuild is on. Moni likely negotiating six figure NIL deal as we speak. ;)
5. Smsu - still needs to add a guy or two, but they return a very strong core for next season. This may be too low, but smsu needs to prove it…is this the year?
6. Msum - dragons lose some tremendous seniors. Can coaches find guys to replace them? Msum does have Zimmer and Beeninga to work around, which are two very good returning pieces at very important positions. There are 4-5 guys that have been patiently waiting on the bench for two+ years. Time to seize the day…
7. Mankato - always looks good on paper, but seems like recent teams have chemistry issues or something. I’m sure magenthaler is getting frustrated. Willinghams are talented, but sometimes appear too concerned with flashy play, in my opinion.
8. Minot - probably too low here. I think Minot has a chance to be pretty good next year. Only lose dunfee.
9. Wayne st. - may be too high with losing many players to graduation and transfer portal. Kaminsky will have to rebuild a bit
10. UMary - return most of team from last season. Should be competitive again, but still missing top end talent to move too far up rankings.
11. USF - no Matt Cartwright means offense will likely struggle. They always do defend and rebound…
12. Winona - probably too low but another team that appears stuck on the train to nowhere. They got to prove it.
13. CSP - definitely a team trending higher but need to see it to believe it.
14. Scsu - many more questions then answers at the moment. I’m sure this is too low as new coach will likely bring in some more talent in year 2, but I’m working off the current roster.
15. Crookston - more of same until something changes. Maybe they can hire Harrison Cleary as coach?
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