UND becomes a Big Sky Conference member next season, a move that brings an upgrade in competition.
The Sioux are trying to upgrade their roster, too, by adding power up front -- a necessity in the Big Sky.
The search for a power forward or center -- or both-- continues at UND, which will not have any signings to announce today.
Recruits can sign national letters of intent today, the start of the spring signing season.
Two recruits were on campus last week and another reportedly is expected to visit this week. All three are believed to be junior college transfers.
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"We're probably going to sign two guys this spring," Jones said. "They'll most likely be juco transfers or Division I transfers."
UND loses two seniors from last season's Great West Conference postseason tournament championship team -- Patrick Mitchell and Mike Mathison.
But there will be other losses, too.
Spencer Goodman's college basketball career is over, Jones said.
The 6-foot-5 junior from Jackson, Mo., had a second shoulder operation this season. "The doctors have ruled him out," Jones said. "That's really too bad. He's a great competitor. He would have helped us this past season. We would have had some more wins."
Goodman injured his shoulder in a game last season and suffered another shoulder injury early this season, playing in only three games. He started 24 games as a freshman and 11 last season before suffering his injury.
Freshman Josh Gentry, meanwhile, has left the program, Jones said.
The 6-4 guard from Indianapolis, Ind., played in 16 games this season, scoring 11 points.
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Jones said there is no timetable on signing any players, but he would like to have players signed by the end of the semester.
UND women
to sign one
The UND women's program is expected to announce one signing today.
Mia Loyd of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis is expected to sign a letter of intent as she recently committed to UND.
Loyd averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds this season for DeLaSalle, which won the Minnesota state Class AAA championship last month.
Next season's incoming class will have five freshmen. In addition to Loyd, UND announced the signings of four players during the November signing period -- Josie Dillon, a 6-0 guard from Benilde St. Margaret's in St. Louis Park, Minn.; Ellen Kiser, a 6-2 forward from Juda, Wis.; Katie Klapprodt, a 5-5 guard from Rapid City, S.D.; and Emma Weinreich, a 6-1 forward from Pismo Beach, Calif.
Two freshmen from this past season's team, however, are no longer on the team, according to new coach Travis Brewster. They are Chelsey Frydenlund, a former East Grand Forks Senior High standout, and Meghan Roehrich, a former Fargo South standout. Both redshirted this season.
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UND also is in the process of hiring an assistant coach.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to ,a href=" mailto:wnelson@gfherald.com "> wnelson@gfherald.com .
