KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team was picked seventh in the 2026-27 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and eighth in the MIAA Preseason Media Poll released today (Oct. 6).
 
The Gorillas received 104 points in the coaches poll to land at No. 7 behind preseason favorite Washburn, Central Missouri, Missouri Western, Missouri Southern, Arkansas-Fort Smith and Rogers State. The defending champion Ichabods garnered 12 first-place votes and 168 points in the poll, while the Mules (2^nd, 154 pts) and Lions (4^th, 120 pts) each received one first-place vote.

In the media poll, Pitt State compiled 206 points to place eighth overall. WU garnered all 30 first place votes for a unanimous first-place selections. Rogers State (326 pts), UCM (322 pts), MWSU (293 pts) and Fort Hays State (253 pts) rounded out the top five selections.

Pitt State returns three starters and five letterwinners from last year's squad that posted a 15-15 overall record. The Gorillas posted a 9-10 mark in MIAA play.

Head coach Jeff Boschee enters his fifth season directing the Gorillas. Boschee has a 62-58 mark at PSU and a 213-144 career record.

Senior guard Connor Rogers and sophomore guard Mason English each return for their second seasons in the Pitt State program. Rogers averaged 18.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last year, earning second-team All-MIAA honors. English, an honorable mention All-MIAA pick, contributed 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game during his freshman season.

Pitt State will open the 2026-27 season Nov. 13-14 at the Central Region Tipoff Challenge at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The Gorillas will face Sioux Falls and Minnesota State-Moorhead in the classic format tournament.


2025-26 MIAA Coaches Poll

1. Washburn [12] – 168 points
2. Central Missouri [1] – 154 points
3. Missouri Western – 123 points
4. Missouri Southern [1] – 120 points
5. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 114 points
6. Rogers State – 111 points
7. Pittsburg State – 104 points
8. Fort Hays State – 103 points
9. Central Oklahoma – 90 points
10. Northwest Missouri – 59 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 43 points
12. Emporia State – 36 points
13. Northeastern State – 35 points
14. Newman – 14 points

[#] - Number of First-Place Votes
 
 
2026-27 MIAA Media Poll

1. Washburn [30] – 392 points
2. Rogers State – 326 points
3. Central Missouri – 322 points
4. Missouri Western – 293 points
5. Fort Hays State – 253 points
6. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 252 points
7. Missouri Southern – 241 points
8. Pittsburg State – 206 points
9. Central Oklahoma – 193 points
10. Northwest Missouri – 155 points
11. Nebraska Kearney – 101 points
12. Northeastern State – 86 points
13. Emporia State – 79 points
14. Newman – 41 points

[#] - Number of First-Place Votes