By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Washburn University's men's basketball team was picked fourth in both the MIAA Preseason Coaches and Preseason Media polls announced Tuesday by the conference at the annual Basketball Media Day held at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.
Washburn will take the court on Nov. 1 to take on Kansas State in an exhibition game before opening the 2022-23 regular season at the Central Regional Challenge in Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 11 against Henderson State and then Augustana the following day.
Brett Ballard's Washburn University men's basketball team was picked fourth in both MIAA preseason polls, released Tuesday. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
The Ichabods reached their fourth NCAA postseason in five years under head coach Brett Ballard last season, posting a 22-11 record.
Defending NCAA Division II Champion Northwest Missouri was tapped first in both polls, receiving 11 first-place votes and 167 points in the coaches poll while Central Oklahoma was second with three first-place votes and a total of 158 points.
Fort Hays State was third in both polls with 137 points in the coaches poll followed by the Ichabods with 131 points sitting fourth in both listings.
Washburn was followed in the coaches poll by Emporia State, Northeastern State, Missouri Western, Missouri Southern, Central Missouri, Pittsburg State, Rogers State, Nebraska-Kearney, Lincon and Newman.
2022 MIAA Men's Basketball
Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri [11] – 167 Point
2. Central Oklahoma [3] – 158 Points
3. Fort Hays State – 137 Points
4. Washburn – 131 Points
5. Emporia State – 125 Points
6. Northeastern State – 100 Points
7. Missouri Western – 93 Points
8. Missouri Southern – 85 Points
9. Central Missouri – 73 Points
T10. Pittsburg State – 63 Points
T10. Rogers State – 63 Points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 36 Points
13. Lincoln – 26 Points
14. Newman – 17 Points
2022 MIAA Men's Basketball
Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri [14] – 261 Points
2. Central Oklahoma [4] – 243 Points
3. Fort Hays State – 216 Points
4. Washburn – 209 Points
5. Emporia State – 181 Points
6. Missouri Western – 163 Points
7. Missouri Southern – 146 Points
8. Northeastern State – 135 Points
9. Central Missouri – 112 Points
10. Pittsburg State – 106 Points
11. Rogers State – 92 Points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 67 Points
13. Newman – 33 Points
14. Lincoln – 31 Points
