Helena, Mont. – The Frontier Conference held it's 2026-27 Men's Basketball Media Day on Thursday. Scott Crawford and Rocky Erickson sat down with head coach Brandon McGruder and players Isaiah Smith & Varick Lewis to discuss the upcoming season.
The Comets are preparing for the 2026-27 season with a new-look roster, an emphasis on team chemistry, and high expectations as the Comets enter their second season competing in the expanded Frontier Conference.
McGruder expressed excitement about the progress his team has made throughout the preseason, particularly its ability to quickly learn and execute new offensive and defensive schemes.
"I think being in my fifth year, this team is more advanced than any team I've coached so far," McGruder said. "In terms of play style and being able to pick up on things, they're more advanced than any team I've coached."
The Comets will feature several new faces this season after losing three double-digit scorers and approximately 66 percent of their offensive production from a year ago. McGruder and his staff focused on bringing in experienced players who could contribute immediately while also strengthening the team's culture.
The incoming group includes players with NCAA Division I and Division II experience, junior college transfers, former all-conference selections, and student-athletes who have competed in national tournaments.
While the roster has undergone significant changes, McGruder believes the team's chemistry and commitment to one another have been among its biggest strengths throughout the preseason.
"The team, in terms of their togetherness and how they play, has been tremendous," McGruder said. "I couldn't ask for anything more."
Smith echoed his coach's comments, emphasizing the relationships that have developed away from the basketball court.
"This year's team chemistry is what I like best," Smith said. "Being able to have guys actually like each other and spend time with each other off the court is something that means more than we realize sometimes."
Lewis, who brings experience from higher levels of collegiate basketball, described himself as a versatile player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. He also stressed the importance of putting the team's success ahead of individual accomplishments.
The Comets will also have some new faces on the coaching staff. Former assistant Brody Anderson departed to become the head coach at Minnesota West Community College, while Kenneth Franklin and Tyrell Rodriguez have been elevated from student assistant positions into assistant coaching roles.
McGruder praised both assistants for their contributions and the work they have done preparing the team for the upcoming season.
Another point of emphasis for Mayville State this season will be its home schedule. The Comets have scheduled several non-conference contests in Mayville, allowing the team to compete in front of its home crowd while helping reduce travel expenses associated with the geographically expansive Frontier Conference.
McGruder also sees the additional home contests as an opportunity to prepare his team for the quick turnarounds that come with conference play, including back-to-back games on consecutive days.
"I want the community to be able to see our guys as much as possible," McGruder said. "I'm very proud of our product this year."
Smith highlighted the atmosphere inside the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse, particularly the support the basketball program receives from fellow student-athletes and the Mayville State community.
"Home games can get pretty hectic, especially when we have the right crowd," Smith said. "It gets rowdy, it echoes in here, so it gets loud, and we love a good home game."
The Comets will also face a pair of NCAA Division I opponents in exhibition competition, taking on South Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. McGruder believes those matchups provide valuable experience and an opportunity to compete against high-level competition before entering Frontier Conference play.
After experiencing the challenges of the expanded Frontier Conference last season, McGruder believes the level of competition will continue to push his program forward. The conference featured five nationally ranked teams a year ago, providing the Comets with regular opportunities to compete against some of the NAIA's top programs.
With an experienced group of newcomers, promising young players, and a renewed focus on team chemistry, the Comets are looking to take a step forward during the 2026-27 campaign.
"We did our due diligence in terms of trying to get the right guys that fit our mold," McGruder said. "Guys that want to come in and not only win, but win as a team."
To watch the full press conference visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa96BhFYWW8&t=30s
