BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The University of Jamestown men's basketball team was picked to finish 14th overall and sixth in the north division of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the coaches' preseason poll released on Thursday.

Southwest Minnesota State University was selected by the league coaches as the preseason overall favorite and in the south division in the NSIC for the 2025-26 season. The Mustangs received 219 points, garnering 11 first places votes to sit 25 points ahead of second place St. Cloud State, which had 194 points and two first place votes. Minnesota State was third with 189 points and a first place vote while Concordia-St. Paul was fourth with 176 points and a first place vote.  Augustana was tied with UMD for fifth place at 174 points with the Vikings receiving the last first place vote.  

Minnesota Duluth was the coaches' choice in the north division as they amassed 47 points and five first place votes. Southwest Minnesota State received six first place votes in the south division with 48 points. 

"I am excited for our program to have the opportunity to compete in the best conference in NCAA Division II," said head coach Casey Bruggeman. "We have a fun mix of veterans and newcomers who have bonded well in the pre-season. I am excited to see how our players will embrace challenges and establish our culture as we begin our first year in the NSIC."

Anthony Walters was picked as the Jimmies' player to watch.

"Walters is one of my favorite players I have had the privilege to coach," Bruggeman said. "He brings an infectious personality and strong leadership to our locker room. On the court, Anthony is a skilled scorer who possesses great physicality. I am excited for Anthony to get the chance to compete his senior season in the NSIC."

Jamestown begins the season with an exhibition game at University of North Dakota on October 18, then plays its season opener at the GAC/NSIC Challenge against Southern Nazarene University on November 14. The first home game is on November 18 against Bismarck State College, and the NSIC opener is November 25 at Northern State (S.D.) University.