MSUM plays at Augustana (S.D.) University at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. The Dragons (12-0, 6-0 NSIC) are set to play their first game since mid-December.

“We’ve got a lot of experience and a lot of mature guys,” Price said. “Everybody knows their roles.”

Price, who transferred from Division I Cleveland State prior to this season, has blended into MSUM’s starting lineup. The 6-foot-3 Price is averaging 15 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

“We knew what we were getting as a player and person when he committed, so we knew it was a big deal for him to give us that phone call,” said Dragons head coach Tim Bergstraser.

Bergstraser was very familiar with Price, having first recruited Price in high school and giving him his first scholarship offer. Bergstraser was an assistant coach for Quincy (Ill.) University at the time. Price said Bergstraser again recruited him coming out of junior college.

“We go way back,” Price said. “I trust him a lot.”

It hasn’t taken long for Price to earn the trust of his teammates. He’s started all 12 games this season and is averaging 17.3 points over the past seven games. He’s scored in double digits in all but two games.

“His ability to score the ball has been really big for us, very impressive,” said Dragons guard Jacob Beeninga.

two-way star in this league and he’s already that. I think he’s only going to get better.”

Bergstraser said Price is a diligent worker on and off the court. Price credits his mother for his mindset. He said she died unexpectedly from a heart attack, but her influence still guides him.

“She taught me to treat everybody with respect, treat everybody the same way,” Price said. “We didn’t have a lot, but she would never complain and she would try to take care of all of us so I just live by that motto.”