ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Concordia-St. Paul men's basketball team opens up play in the 2020-21 season this weekend as they hit the road to Minnesota Crookston for a pair of non-conference games. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
 
SCHEDULE INFORMATION
The NSIC schedule will be 16-games played over eight weeks with teams playing the same opponent at one site on back-to-back days. The season will start with two non-conference games against one NSIC out-of-division opponent. The conference schedule will then consist of 14 games with teams playing each member of its division twice. For this season, the NSIC will only crown a North Division and South Division Champion. Following the season opening road trip to Minnesota Crookston this weekend, the Golden Bears return home for their conference and home openers next weekend as they host Wayne State on Jan. 8-9.
 
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Please visit the opposing team's athletics website for more information about spectator policy, as the Northern Sun spans five states in the Upper Midwest and includes various community sizes and institutional policies. NSIC Member Attendance Policies
 
WATCH ONLINE - NSIC NETWORK
Powered by the NSIC Network, all Northern Sun home and away basketball games will be broadcast online, free of charge. Visit www.nsicnetwork.com/cspbears to watch the Golden Bears. Away games will feature production and commentary by the host institution, while home games are broadcast by Keemotion technology with the play-by-play call of Dan Flanagan, voice of the Golden Bears for over a decade. Flanagan is a St. Paul native who professionally trained in broadcasting at Fordham University in New York where he was the voice of the basketball and football teams, among other sports. NSIC Network Announcement & FAQ
 
WATCH ON YOUR TV
The NSIC Network, supported by BlueFrame Technology, is available to download on your favorite OTT providers like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. Simply search for "NSIC" or "NSIC Network" and download the app for a full listing of Northern Sun action on your TV.  NSIC Network Announcement & FAQ
 
WATCH ON THE GO
Download the NSIC Network app in the Google Play Store or the App Store on your Apple device to watch on your smartphone, a new feature from BlueFrame Technology.  NSIC Network Announcement & FAQ
 
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Not able to watch or keep an eye on live stats? Check in on social media by following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. Each platform will have different levels of engagement. Twitter will offer scoring updates, Instagram will feature live look-ins and engaging content and Facebook is a great place to get links to previews, recaps and more. Simply search for CSP Bears on any of the platforms, and remember to #BeGolden!
 
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The 2020-21 season marks the start of a new era in Golden Bear basketball as head coach Matt Fletcher and his staff have working the past nine months to get to know the squad and install their system. Despite the wrinkle that the COVID-19 pandemic has provided in the process, early indications are positive as the program nears the start of the regular season.
 
"It's been kind of a whirlwind," said Coach Fletcher. He added, "It feels like once you get ahead of something then all of a sudden something changes drastically to keep you on your toes, so it's been unique. But the guys have responded to everything we've put in with the new system along with new rules and new processes put in place. They're seeming to buy in more and more every day. I think it showed a few weeks ago in our scrimmage how much they've improved over the last two months which is was really fun to see. When the officials come up to you after and tell you that that was the most respectful group they've had in a long time, that shows the growth of these guys and that's what it's all about."
 
One of the factors that has helped make the transition go as smooth as possible has been the team's bonds both on and off the court. The roster features a good mix of veterans and newcomers with the group consisting of nine returners and six additions. Fletcher said, "It's a unique group. They get along on and off the court really well, almost to a point where we have to tell them to shut up when we're trying to do a meeting with them. They are constantly joking around and they like to argue about the NBA like your typical basketball teams." While channeling some of that energy has been a focus over the past few months, the development of veteran leadership has gone a long way in making that a reality. "I'd say we're having a lot more good days than bad, especially lately, so that's been really encouraging as a staff," said Fletcher. "Watching guys like Carlos, Jacob, Johns, Caden and Lee changing before our eyes has been really fun to see."
 
BUILDING TRADITION
As the transition continues, Fletcher and his staff will look to put their own stamp on the program and one of the first steps will be creating an identity for the team. Fletcher pointed out, "I think the biggest thing for this team is we want to have guys who play for each other. Guys who care for each other and want to build a family atmosphere. Because at the end of the day, that gives you a chance to win. So we want guys are going to come in and care for each other and play that way on the court."
 
For Fletcher, that identity extends beyond the court as well. Performance in the classroom and other areas of life off the court also play a big role in finding success. "It's uncommon for a basketball team to do all the little things right off the court, and when you can minimize the distractions, that's when you really take off on the court," said Fletcher. He added, "It's as simple as going to class every single day, turning work in on time every day and being on time to all meetings. In addition, being energetic in Coach Overland's facility and just doing all the little things right is key. What we want is a family atmosphere that will do whatever it takes to win."
 
Keeping it simple early on has been an important aspect of molding the program. Fletcher identified three keys on each the offensive and defensive end that the team will be focused on. He said, "Defensively, we want to do a good job guarding the three-point line, we want to do a good job rebounding the ball on the defensive end, especially since we're a little undersized, and we want to have great communication on the defensive end." When speaking about the offensive focus, he said, "It's actually pretty simple. We want paint touches on possessions, we want assists on every basket, and we want celebrations amongst teammates. Those are the three things we watch for."
 
NSIC AT A GLANCE
Like the rest of the conference, the Golden Bears will have to hit the ground running as all 16 regular season games will come against NSIC competition, including all 14 games conference games coming against the tough NSIC South Division. When speaking of the quality of play in the south, Fletcher said, "I don't know if there's a division in the country that's as loaded as the south is right now. You have Sioux Falls who won it last year who is picked second and they're nationally ranked, and you have Augie who's picked first who's nationally ranked. And then you're talking about three and four in Minnesota State and Upper Iowa who didn't lose anybody. At five is Winona State, who was one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation last year. You're talking five teams right there that could easily win the league. Then you're throwing us right behind that that group. It shows respect for the talent we have on the roster and what coaches think of our guys. In addition, I would not feel comfortable going to play the preseason seventh pick Southwest Minnesota State who has won multiple titles. And then you have Wayne State who three years ago was middle of the pack fighting for home conference tournament games. It is crazy how deep the south. We'll have our hands full every night."
 
The Golden Bears garnered 15 points in the 2020-21 NSIC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, edging Southwest Minnesota State, in seventh, by a point and Wayne State, in eighth, by four points. CSP's spot in the preseason poll matched where they finished last season as they finished in a tie for sixth in the division. Northern State was the unanimous top choice in the north, while Augustana was selected first in the south division.
 
The opening weekend will be far from a free pass for Concordia as well. The Golden Eagles of Minnesota Crookston are coming off one of the best three-year runs in program history and head into the season with momentum. Fletcher said, "I love what Danny's doing up there. They took pride in what they've done the past few years, getting to the Pentagon two seasons ago. Obviously, losing Harrison Cleary is a huge hit for them, but I have no doubt that he got 12 new guys coming in there that can play. He's obviously working the recruiting trail hard so we'll have our hands full that first weekend."
 
CSP won the lone meeting between the two teams last year as they claimed a 92-81 win at Gangelhoff Center on Feb. 8.
 
MEET THE GOLDEN BEARS
The Golden Bears enter the season with both experience and youth at every position. In the backcourt, the returning group includes seniors Carlos Barela and Lee Higgins, juniors Noah Kannegiesser and Kenny Holz and redshirt freshman Jacob Everson and will be bolstered by the additions of sophomore transfer Caden Hoffman and freshmen Jax Madson and Sunday John.
 
One player that could fill a larger role is Carlos Barela. One of the team's four seniors, Barela is coming off a debut season at CSP in which he compiled 7.7 points, 4.0 boards, 2.1 assists and a team-leading 1.0 steals per game. The Albuquerque, N.M. native finished the season strong, reaching double figures in each of the final three games of the year, including a 19-point, 13-rebound effort against Upper Iowa in the regular season finale. Fletcher said of the senior guard, "Carlos is our engine. When Carlos gets it going and he brings good energy and effort and attitude, he's one of those guys that gets us cooking. His confidence shooting the ball is better than ever and he's also a guy that's kind of taken over a leadership role. I think he's going to have a really good year and have his best year as a basketball player."
 
Concordia's second leading scorer from last season, Lee Higgins, will also be counted on to step up in his senior campaign. Higgins missed the early portion of 2019-20, but made up for lost time as he connected on an incredible 58.0% from the floor and 51.4% from beyond the arc to finish with 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He was a consistent producer as he reached double figures in 15 of 18 games while connecting on 36 threes. "Lee shoots it as well as anybody at our level. His attitude is contagious. He's never not smiling. He's never not happy. I think he's going to continue to get better and better within the system because the system isn't based on sets and action, it's based on playing together," said Fletcher of Higgins.
 
Entering his third year in the program, Noah Kannegiesser will once again provide an offensive spark for the squad. The Hancock High School grad took a step forward last season as he contributed 6.7 points on 44.0% shooting while nearly half of his made field goals came from deep. Kannegiesser set a career high with 29 points on 10-17 from the floor against Northland on Nov. 26. Fletcher said of the guard, "Noah is instant offense. He's a guy we think we're going to be able to turn to on the bench to bring in and give us a quick run if we need it. He is somebody that can shoot it from all three different levels so we're really excited to see him kind of step into that role of our bench spark that we need some nights."
 
The duo of Kenny Holz and Jacob Everson round out the returning guards as Holz made 13 appearances off the bench while Everson got a year of experience under his belt in a redshirt year. Speaking of Holz, Fletcher said, "Kenny is one of those guys that you can't replicate. He shows up every single day, puts his head down, goes to work, keeps his mouth shut and does exactly what you ask him to do. He looks at you square in the eye owns his mistakes and then moves right on. He's a great teammate and excellent student. You just don't find guys like him very often." He added about Everson, "It's been fun to see him kind of come out of his shell a little bit. I think the biggest thing is he's just got to be confident in himself. He's got the ability. He's got great handles and he loves his midrange. We have a lot of hope for him and hope that he can continue to improve weekly and be a guy we turn to this year to play some minutes for us."
 
One of the key pieces added to the 2020-21 puzzle is Caden Hoffman. Hoffman joins Concordia after spending the last two years with the NCAA Division I South Dakota Coyotes. The Scottsdale, Ariz. native got his first taste of action least season as he made six appearances, scoring his first career points against Peru State. "He's a workhorse in the gym," said Fletcher. "He's in there more than anybody else. But what we didn't know is he's an elite level passer. His vision of the court and his ability to pass with both hands is insanely good, which we didn't find out until Jordan got hurt and we had to move some guys to the point. We're excited to see him facilitate the offense."
 
A pair of freshmen will also be in the mix for playing time at the guard position as Jax Madson joins from Mankato East High School and Sunday John joins from Willow Canyon High School. "Jax has a lot of room to grow, but his ability to be coached and his ability to shoot has made his teammates want him on the court. He's a good kid. We're really excited to see how far he can come this year and over the next four years," said Fletcher about Madson. About John, he said, "Sunday is one of the most athletic players I have ever been around. He has the ultimate ceiling and paired with a phenomenal attitude. He is ready to work every day with a smile on his face which will make his growth happen daily. We are really excited to see what Sunday can become in this league."
 
The age breakdown in the frontcourt looks similar to backcourt with senior Jacob Shields, sophomore George Scharlau and reshirt freshman Keenan Jones returning and junior transfer Matt Johns and freshmen Marcus Skeete and Walker Johnson entering the fold.
 
Jacob Shields, who transferred in from Cloud County Community College prior to last season, put up 8.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in his first year in navy and gold. The Houston, Texas native ranked 13^th in the NSIC with 0.9 blocks per game while hitting 53.1% from the floor and 45.7% from three-point range. Shields picked up his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 boards to go along with five blocks against Northland on Nov. 26. Fletcher said of the big man, "Shields is the emotional backbone of this group whether he wants to be or not. I tell him every day when he comes into practice, 'the team is watching you, so what are you going to be today?' When he brings energy, passion and effort, which is natural for him, the team rallies behind him. We've been working hard on how to channel that energy in a positive direction. This year, I think he could be a guy the league had no idea was coming."
 
George Scharlau also made his CSP debut last season as he averaged 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds over 25 games as a freshman. Perhaps his best performance came against Hillsdale on Nov. 16 as he collected 11 points and five rebounds while hitting 4-7 from the floor. About Scharlau, Fletcher said, "George is kind of the unsung hero for us. He's a guy that we've put in several different positions and we've switched amongst teams throughout practices. He's just kind of Mr. Do-It-All. He's somebody that I know when I look down the bench and I see George, I know exactly what I'm going to get when I put him in."
 
Keenan Jones will look to make his collegiate debut this year after redshirting his first year on campus. "Not a better kid. Not a better teammate. He's ultra-talented and his finishing ability and footwork around the rim has been really surprising for us. If he can learn to be a better defender, he's going to have a chance to be a really good player for us," said Fletcher of the Chicago native.
 
Like fellow transfer Caden Hoffman, Matt Johns comes to CSP after spending the past two years at South Dakota. The Geelong, Australia native made an immediate impact at USD as he appeared in 19 games and made 10 starts as a true freshman in 2018-19. During that season, he shot 47.2% from the floor while registering 15.7 minutes per night. Fletcher said of the transfer big, "Johns is a unique talent. When you play a point guard in a pro league in Australia and then you come over here and try to translate your game, I think there was a lot of figuring out how he's going to be effective within the system. And now over the last few weeks, it's really, really clicked with him. He's an elite level passer that's going to be a nightmare to guard for some teams. He's a great athlete at 6'9", can jump out of the gym and can shoot it. He's a guy that we're going to rely on to be an effective player for us night in and night out."
 
Freshmen Marcus Skeete and Walker Johnson round out Concordia's group down low. Skeete wrapped up a successful high school career at Waubonsie Valley High School last year while Walker Johnson comes from Benilde-St. Margaret's. Talking about Skeete, Fletcher said, "Marcus was a guy that had a rough start and we weren't really sure what we were getting with him, and then all of a sudden he kind of came into his own. He's a slasher/rebounder/effort guy. He's the guy that nobody wants on the other team in practice because he wins drills with effort plays. The sky's the limit for that kid." Fletcher added about Johnson, "He's been a pleasant surprise. He came in and joined the team pretty late, but he melded right in with the guys. He plays his tail off every day in practice and does whatever we ask. He's been everything is coach told us about him. We're really excited to see him mature and get better and better on the court."
 
Check back in to cspbears.com throughout the season for game previews and recaps as well as schedules, statistics and more.