FARGO -- At this rate, a basketball game between North Dakota State and Minnesota State University Moorhead is going to become an annual thing.
If that's the case, we'll need a traveling trophy that goes to the winner.
I'd suggest the McFeely Cup because my relentless badgering of Bison coach Dave Richman over many years to play the Dragons surely exhausted him to the point that he agreed to last year's exhibition contest, the first meeting between the two programs in a dozen years. But that would be egomanical.
We have time. We'll take suggestions.
But it is true, or nearly so. First revealed earlier this week by Richman on WDAY-TV's "Hot Mic" program, the Bison and Dragons will play another exhibition game Oct. 23 at the Scheels Center. Richman, MSUM athletic director Chad Markuson and new Dragons coach Jason Kemp confirmed the information Friday.
It's not an absolute done deal as the details are being finalized and there is not yet a signed contract, but it's happening.
"We're super-excited," Markuson said. "It turned out well last year and it's good for the community."
That is accurate. Last October's 67-63 Bison victory in an exhibition generated some interest for both programs smack-dab in the middle of football season and drew one of NDSU's better home crowds of the season.
The announced attendance of 1,728 was topped only twice during the regular season -- predictably by North Dakota (5,198) and South Dakota State (a disappointing 2,791).
The Dragons outdrew every other non-conference and Summit League opponent at the Scheels Center.
"It's good for the community," Richman said, echoing Markuson. "There was tremendous buzz about the game last year and that's good for us, good for the Dragons and good for basketball."
That defines the contest as a win-win-win. Which again makes a guy wonder why it took so long in the first place to get the game scheduled, but we'll let it go ...
Hey, this might become a regular thing. For sure as long as Richman and Kemp are leading their respective programs.
Kemp was recently hired as MSUM's coach, replacing Tim Bergstraser. Kemp and Richman were assistant coaches together at NDSU from 2007-2013, so there's a history.
"Jason Kemp and I are great friends and I will get a chance to compete against a great friend. That will be fun," Richman said. "And for us, I think this game will be a better challenge than maybe some early season games in previous years."
There will be an air of mystery leading up to this year's game. Unlike a season ago when both programs had multiple returning players, this year's contest will feature two rebuilt teams wondering exactly what they'll be in 2025-26.
The Bison lost 10 players between graduation and the transfer portal, the Dragons nine. Many of those no longer with the teams were their best players. Jacksen Moni, Jacari White, Tajavis Miller from NDSU. Carson Johnson, Logan Kinsey, Jacob Beeninga from MSUM.
For two programs historically used to being at or near the top of the Summit League and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, it's a different vibe.
Not that it's rare anymore. It's the same for every program everywhere. Welcome to college basketball, circa 2025.
Both Richman and Kemp have been busy restocking their rosters with transfers and incoming freshmen.
NDSU has added transfers Markhi Strickland (Western Michigan), Max Majerle (Pima Community College), Trevian Carson (Des Moines Area Community College) and Tay Smith (Lenoir-Rhyne). One theme you'll notice: NDSU wants bigger wing players to better defend and rebound.
Once an elite mid-major team in those areas, there was noticeable slippage last season when the Bison were stocked with smaller wings and 3-point shooters, some of whom were not the fleetest of foot. Richman wants to return to the former blueprint, or at least get closer to it.
As for Kemp and the Dragons, there is pressure to keep the train rolling. MSUM became a consistent top 15 team in Division II under Chad Walthall and Bergstraser continued that, winning two of the last three NSIC postseason tournaments before taking a Division I job at Denver in April. The Dragons have been a legit top D2 program for years.
Kemp's added Division I transfers Landin Hacker (Bellarmine), Dominic Gooden (Northern Illinois) and Rodrick Payne (Western Illinois) to go with incoming freshmen Sam Hondl from Albany, Minnesota, and Isa El-Amin from Minnetonka, Minnesota.
The inaugural McFeely Cup is shaping up to be a heck of a battle in October. And hopefully (hint, hint) for years to come.