Burnsville, Minn. – The Northern State men's basketball team will open the year as the top pick in the NSIC North following today's NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll announcement. The Wolves earned 49 points in the poll, including seven first place votes.
 
NSU is coming off their third straight NSIC Championship with a 26-6 record in 2019-20. NSU went 18-4 in the NSIC and sat atop the NCAA National Attendance standings for the 13^th consecutive season. The Wolves qualified as the fourth seed in the NCAA Central Region Tournament, however the season was cut short due to COVID-19. Three Wolves earned NSIC All-Conference honors (Fox, King, Stark), with Parker Fox being named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, Fox earned All-Region accolades from both the D2CCA and NABC.
 
Northern enters their second season under the direction of head coach Saul Phillips, returning nine from a season ago. The returners include starters Andrew Kallman, Mason Stark, Tommy Chatman, and Parker Fox. In addition, the Wolves welcome ten incoming freshman, transfers, and roster additions in 2020-21.
 
Fox was tabbed as the North Division Preseason Player of the Year. In 2019-20, he was honored as the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference member. Fox averaged 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, shooting 60.5% from the floor. He was named the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament MVP and honored on the D2CCA and NABC All-Region teams.
 

Team	Points
1. Northern State (7)	49
2. MSU Moorhead (1)	43
3. Bemidji State	35
4. Minnesota Duluth	28
St. Cloud State	28
6. University of Mary	16
7. Minot State	14
8. Minnesota Crookston	11