BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced its preseason coaches' poll for men's basketball. Minnesota State Moorhead was predicted to finish eighth in the league while sophomore guard Isa El-Amin was named MSUM's preseason 'Player To Watch'. 

The Dragons earned the eighth position behind 140 total points. Minnesota State topped the preseason index with 216 points and eight first-place votes. St. Cloud State (6), Minnesota Duluth (1) and Augustana (1) claimed the remaining first place votes. Moorhead was selected second in the NSIC North Division poll with 42 points and a first-place nod. Minnesota Duluth would top the divisional poll. 

MSUM is coming off a 14-16 season in 2025-26 which saw them claim an NSIC Tournament victory over Northern State on February 25, 2026. Moorhead would eventually fall in the NSIC Quarterfinals to Augustana in an overtime thriller, 83-82. The Dragons are set to return five players to this season's roster while the program added six true freshmen and four transfers in the offseason. 

"We have a very tall roster positionally. Our size and skill will provide great advantages for us on both ends," said head coach Jason Kemp, who begins his second season in 2026-27. "We have very few players with one year on our roster, so there is more stability in our program and we can improve through development."

The recognition for El-Amin comes after earning All-NSIC Second Team honors in 2025-26. The Minnetonka, Minn., native led the Dragons in total points (443), points per game (14.8), assists (106) and steals (38) during the season. El-Amin shot 43.4 percent from the floor on the year while also connecting on a team-high 56 three-pointers. He scored a season-high 28 points against Minnesota Duluth on December 6, 2025. 

"Isa , former State Champion at Minnetonka High School, had a phenomenal freshman year for us in 25-26. His leadership and production were evident as he earned all-conference recognition," said Kemp of his point guard. "What goes unnoticed is the type of leader he grew to become throughout the year. His loyalty to our programs is clear, and I am excited to see him continue to grow in year two."

The Dragons are scheduled to begin the 2026-27 regular season as part of the KC Crossover Challenge beginning November 13. MSUM will battle Washburn to open the two-game stint at 4 p.m. Moorhead will play an exhibition against North Dakota State Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.