Griz men: No. 1 in both Big Sky polls

FARMINGTON, Utah — The Montana Grizzlies will begin their Big Sky Conference men’s basketball title defense with high expectations, as they’ve been voted preseason favorites by both the league’s coaches and media.

The Griz received six first-place votes in the coaches’ poll, and 21 in the media poll to claim the title of outright favorite heading into the 2025-26 campaign. Last season, Montana was Co-Regular Season Champions before winning the conference tournament and making its first trip to the March Madness since 2019.  

The Grizzlies are led by Travis DeCuire, who is entering his 12th season as the head coach in Missoula. Last season, the Griz finished 25-10 on the year with a 15-3 record in Big Sky Conference play. The Grizzlies return last season’s Top Reserve in Money Williams.   

Portland State is projected as this season’s runner-up by both coaches and media; the Vikings return a strong core that includes second-team all-Big Sky player Terri Miller, Jr. and the 2024-25 defensive player of the year, Tre-Vaughn Minott.  

PSU finished third in the Big Sky standings last season at 19-13 overall and 11-7 in league games. 

Last season’s other co-regular season champion is slotted third in both polls: the Northern Colorado Bears finished 25-10 overall a season ago, with a 15-3 record in league play. 

The Vandals of Idaho were selected fourth in both polls. Last season in Boise, the Vandals claimed their first Big Sky Tournament victory since 2017 with a win over Portland State. 

The 2025-26 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team and Most Valuable Player will be announced Thursday. 

The 2026 Big Sky Basketball Championships are set for March 11 inside Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. 

Full results of both the Coaches’ and Media Poll can be found below.

Coaches 

Team (1st-place votes)    Pts

1. Montana (6)     78

2. Portland State (3)     72

3. Northern Colorado     63

4. Idaho (1)     59

5 (tie). E. Washington     40

and Montana State     40

7. Sacramento State     35

8. Idaho State     31

9. Weber State     22

10. No. Arizona    10

Media

Team (1st-place votes)    Pts

1. Montana (21)     323

2. Portland State (9)     302

3. No. Colorado (2)     245

4. Idaho (2)     231

5. Idaho State     202

6. Montana State     165

7. Sacramento State (1)     143

8. E. Washington     136

9. Weber State     113

10. No. Arizona     61