Griz tabbed as favorites, Whitney named Preseason All-Big Sky

It's not a surprise for a Montana basketball team coached by Travis DeCuire, but the Grizzlies will have championship expectations in the 2024-25 season, according to the league's coaches and media.

Montana was picked as the preseason favorite in the Big Sky Coaches' Poll and finished second in the Media Poll, the league announced Wednesday. The Grizzlies tied for second in the league last season and reached the Big Sky Championship game in Boise.

"I'm always appreciative of the level of respect that the coaches in our conference give and share towards our staff and our players. It's exciting to be in that situation in October," DeCuire said. "We've got a lot of work to do to be in that situation in March."

Senior guard Brandon Whitney was named to the Preseason All-Conference team following a stellar 2023-24 season. Whitney averaged 10.3 points per game and ranked sixth in the league with 4.1 assists per contest.

He was an All-Tournament selection after leading the Grizzlies to the title game at the Big Sky Championships, and was also an honorable mention All-Big Sky pick in 2024.

Whitney has averaged at least 10.0 points per game in all four of his seasons at Montana, has consistently been a good distributor, and is also one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. The level of impact that he has on winning hasn't always been reflected with individual honors.

"This is great for Brandon," DeCuire said. "I think that when you set aside individual anticipations and dreams to make a full commitment to winning and the success of everyone around you, you like to see those moments when you come up for air at the end of it and you still get what you were dreaming about. We've talked about that a lot here at the University of Montana.

"I think this is a perfect example of that. This is a guy that for three years was a double-digit scorer and one of the best defenders in the conference and wasn't getting individual accolades," DeCuire continued. "Last year, he snuck in there on a team that was in striking distance of a championship and now for him to be voted All-Conference says a lot about the respect for him."

This will be a new-look squad with eight transfers and nine total newcomers. The incoming class has the potential to shine, and paired with the core of returning players they caught the attention of the voters.

"When you have nine new faces, it's difficult to have a feel for how your team would handle expectations," DeCuire said. "But I also know that's why they came to Montana, those are the things that we spoke about. Winning. Competing for championships and banners. So, if we're not expected to be in the top two or three, then we have work to do."

The Griz received seven out of nine possible first-place votes from the league's head coaches, leading to 78 total points in the poll. Montana State (2) was second with 72 points. Northern Colorado came in third with 62, and Weber State in fourth with 61 points and one first-place vote.

The Griz picked up 11 first-place votes in the media poll, finishing second to Montana State with 279 points. Weber State came in third with seven first-place votes, and Northern Colorado rounded out the top four with 211 points and one first-place vote.

The two-time defending regular season champions, Eastern Washington, finished sixth in the Media Poll and ninth in the Coaches' Poll. Trent McLaughlin of Northern Arizona was named the Preseason MVP of the league.

Montana opens its season on Nov. 4 with a home game against Hawaii Hilo. The Griz then hit the road for a contest against the Big 10's Oregon on Nov. 8.

2024-25 Big Sky Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll

Montana (7) – 78
Montana State (2) – 72
Northern Colorado – 62
Weber State (1) – 61
Northern Arizona – 51
Portland State – 38
Idaho – 32
Idaho State – 21
Eastern Washington – 19
Sacramento State – 15

2024-25 Big Sky Men's Basketball Preseason Media Poll

Montana State (14) – 297
Montana (11) – 279
Weber State (7) – 270
Northern Colorado (1) – 211
Northern Arizona – 209
Eastern Washington – 139
Portland State – 124
Idaho State – 108
Idaho – 104
Sacramento State – 74

2024-25 Big Sky Men's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team

Trent McLaughlin, Northern Arizona (MVP)
Brian Goracke, Montana State
Brandon Whitney, Montana
Miguel Tomley, Weber State
Brandon Walker, Montana State
Julius Mims, Idaho

University of Montana Athletics

Griz tabbed as favorites, Whitney named Preseason All-Big Sky

Players Mentioned

Brandon Whitney

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