NKU's Dustin Maguire (5) returns after averaging 15.0 points per game.
BEAVERTON, Ore. – The Northern Kentucky University men's basketball team is picked No. 20 nationally in the Division II Bulletin preseason poll.
NKU posted a 24-7 record last season and won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship. The Norse welcome back leading scorer
Dustin Maguire (15.0 points per game) this season but must replace three starters.
BYU-Hawaii is No. 1 in the preseason poll. The Seasiders (27-2 last season) return All-American Lucas Alves (19.8 ppg, 7.5 rebounds per game).
Bellarmine of the GLVC is ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll. The Knights welcome back four starters this season.
NKU begins play Nov. 7 with an exhibition game at Xavier. On Nov. 9, the Norse travel up I-75 to meet Dayton in another exhibition contest.
NKU opens its regular-season schedule Nov. 15 with a road game at Grand Valley State, which is ranked 18th nationally in the preseason poll.
Division II Bulletin's men's basketball preseason national poll
1. BYU-Hawaii
2. Findlay
3. Southwest Baptist
4. Cal Poly Pomona
5. Bellarmine
6. Tusculum
7. Merrimack
8. Augusta State
9. Florida Southern
10. Bentley
11. Valdosta State
12. SW Minnesota
13. Metro State
14. Central Missouri
15. Winona State
16. Kutztown
17. Central Oklahoma
18. Grand Valley State
19. Philadelphia
20. Northern Kentucky
21. Delta State
22. Rollins
23. J.C. Smith
24. West Virginia State
25. Incarnate Word
