The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team opens the 2010-11 season when it plays in the Sailfish Classic at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. The Wildcats play Palm Beach Atlantic on Friday (Nov.12) and Lynn University on Saturday (Nov. 13).

This weekend’s tournament will be the start of a new era for NMU men’s basketball. Head coach Doug Lewis starts his first season after Dean Ellis resigned after 24 years with the Wildcats.

NMU returns four player including three starters from last years squad including All-GLIAC preseason selection Raymont McElroy. McElroy was selected as a preseason First Team All-GLIAC selection after averaging 16.9 points per game last year. Also returning for the ‘Cats are junior center Jared Benson, who averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, Mylan Murphy and Eric Hawley.

NMU was picked sixth in the preseason GLIAC poll. Last season the Wildcats finished 11-15 and 8-14 in the GLIAC for a fifth place finish in the GLIAC North division.

Last season, Palm Beach Atlantic finished 6-25.

Tipoff for Friday’s game against Palm Beach Atlantic is set for 7 p.m. while Saturday’s matchup with Lynn is scheduled for 5 p.m.

—NMU Sports Information