Minnesota State Moorhead opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season with a Thursday exhibition at North Dakota State. The Dragons enter with a retooled roster, returning five players and adding several transfers and freshmen. Sophomore guard Isa El-Amin, last season’s All-NSIC second-team selection and team leader in scoring, assists and steals, is MSUM’s preseason player to watch.

By the Numbers
  • Thursday’s exhibition tips off at 7 p.m. at NDSU’s SCHEELS Center.
  • MSUM was picked eighth overall in the NSIC preseason poll and second in the North Division.
  • El-Amin averaged 14.8 points and recorded 106 assists and 38 steals in 2025-26.
  • NDSU leads the all-time series, 87-33.
Yes, But

MSUM brings back only five players, so roster continuity may be a challenge as the new group develops. But coach Jason Kemp says the Dragons’ size, skill and increased program stability could help them improve over the season.

State of Play
  • NDSU is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance and was picked to win the Summit League.
  • The Dragons’ returning core includes El-Amin, who earned All-NSIC second-team honors as a freshman.
  • MSUM’s new additions include four upperclassman transfers and five freshmen.
What’s Next

The exhibition against NDSU gives MSUM an early test before the regular season begins. The game will be available on WDAY Xtra, with radio coverage on AM 1660/FM 92.7 and live video and stats at msumdragons.com.

Bottom Line

MSUM starts the season with a demanding regional matchup and a roster still taking shape; El-Amin’s continued growth could be central to how quickly the Dragons find their footing.