KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team was picked fourth in the 2025-26 MIAA Preseason Media Poll and fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released today (Oct. 6).
 
The Gorillas received 280 points in the media poll to land at No. 4 behind preseason favorite Washburn, Fort Hays State and Rogers State. The defending champion Ichabods garnered 23 first-place votes and 346 points in the poll, while the Tigers (297 pts) and Hillcats (286 pts) each received one first-place vote.

In the coaches poll, Pitt State compiled 127 points to place fifth overall behind unanimous preseason favorite Washburn (13 first-place votes, 16 points), RSU (one first-place vote, 141 points), Central Oklahoma (137 points) and FHSU (134 points).

Pitt State returns one starter and four letterwinners from last year's squad that posted an 18-12 overall record. The Gorillas posted a 13-6 mark in MIAA play, advancing to the semifinals of the 2024-25 MIAA Postseason Tournament.

Head coach Jeff Boschee enters his fourth season directing the Gorillas. Boschee has a 47-43 mark at PSU and a 198-129 career record.

Senior center Tane Prictor returns for his fourth year in the program. The Bend, Ore., native averaged 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last year, while shooting .620 from the field (88-142). Prictor (6-11, 275) has started 24 of 72 career games for the Gorillas, averaging 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while registering 81 blocked shots (1.13 bpg).

Redshirt sophomore guard/forward Evan Jackson saw action in 26 games in 2024-25, including a pair of starts. The Chicago native contributed 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting .623 from the floor (66-106).

Pitt State will open the 2025-26 season Nov. 1-2 at the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at St. Joseph, MO. The Gorillas will face national powers West Texas A&M and Minnesota State in the showcase event.


2025-26 MIAA Coaches Poll

1. Washburn [13] – 169 points
2. Rogers State [1] – 141 points
3. Central Oklahoma – 137 points
4. Fort Hays State – 134 points
5. Pittsburg State – 127 points
6. Nebraska Kearney – 106 points
7. Central Missouri – 102 points
8. Missouri Western – 79 points
9. Northeastern State – 62 points
10. Emporia State – 59 points
11. Newman – 52 points
12. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 41 points
13. Missouri Southern – 35 points
14. Northwest Missouri – 30 points

[#] - Number of First-Place Votes


2025-26 MIAA Media Poll

1. Washburn [23] – 346 points
2. Fort Hays State [1] – 297 points
3. Rogers State [1] – 286 points
4. Pittsburg State – 280 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 229 points
6. Nebraska Kearney – 211 points
7. Central Missouri – 186 points
8. Missouri Western – 169 points
9. Emporia State – 159 points
10. Northeastern State – 132 points
11. Northwest Missouri – 108 points
12. Newman – 93 points
13. Missouri Southern – 69 points
14. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 59 points

[#] - Number of First-Place Votes