FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 31, 2024) – On Monday, November 4 the 2024-25 men’s basketball season officially gets underway, setting the table for what is sure to be another exciting season on the hardwood.
Below is the latest news and notes from around the Big Sky Conference.
#BigSkyMBB Notebook (October 31, 2024)
Big Sky Coaches Favor Montana
In the Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the Montana Grizzlies have been selected as the favorite heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Montana received seven of the 10 available first-place votes. Last season the Griz finished tied for second in the Big Sky standings (12-6) and made a run to the Big Sky Championship game, where they ultimately fell to Montana State.
Media Poll Picks Montana State
Speaking of those Bobcats, MSU was voted the preseason favorite in the Big Sky Media Poll, receiving 14 first-place votes. Montana State was second in the Coaches’ Poll, receiving two first-place votes there.
The Bobcats have set the standard for Big Sky Conference men’s basketball the past three seasons, reaching three-consecutive NCAA Tournaments with a trio of league tournament titles. Last season, despite a 9-9 record in Big Sky play, they ran through the bracket in Boise once again to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Preseason MVP Nod
Returning to Northern Arizona University for his senior season, Trent McLaughlin has been voted the Big Sky’s Preseason Most Valuable Player. Last season McLaughlin was voted First Team All-Conference by the league’s head coaches, after averaging 16.6 points per game. He ended up the Big Sky’s fourth leading scorer last year, along with racking up 63 assists and 48 steals. McLaughlin was a pivotal part of the Lumberjack team that played in the Big Sky Championship game two seasons ago.
Northern Arizona was selected fifth by both coaches and media.
#BigSkyinBoise
The 2025 Big Sky Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships take place on March 8-12 at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho, home to Starch Madness for the seventh consecutive year. The tournament champions will receive an automatic berth to their respective NCAA Tournaments and represent the Big Sky in March Madness later in the month.
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