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NCAA Basketball: 10 Preseason Mid-majors to watch for 2018-19

By Tristan Freeman

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 02: Tyler Hagedorn
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 02: Tyler Hagedorn /

South Dakota Coyotes

2017-18 results: 26-9 (11-3) – CBI Quarterfinals

Key losses: Nick Fuller (8.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg)

Key returnees: SR Matt Mooney (18.7 ppg and 3.1 apg – both led team) – SR Tyler Hagedorn (13.0 ppg and 5.9 rpg)

South Dakota has only been a part of D-1 Basketball for less than a decade, but the program has steadily risen to become one of the top teams in the Summit League.

They were close to getting their first-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament but fell to now heated rival South Dakota State in the Conference Tournament finals. The Jackrabbits are going to be tough again, but the Coyotes bring back an impressive roster themselves.

Six of the team’s top seven leading scorers will be coming back, including All-Summit League player Matt Mooney. He’s certainly not afraid of South Dakota State, dropping 30 points in the team’s 87-69 in on Jan. 24. He did it again in the postseason battle between the teams.

One loss for the program that might have a big impact is head coach Craig Smith, who left for the vacant Utah State job. He was the Coyoted lead man for the past four years, where they took big steps as a viable program. Grand Canyon assistant Todd Lee (former South Dakota alum) has been made the new coach. Time will tell how good a hire that was.

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