The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team was picked first in the 2016-17 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. The Bearcats received all 13 of the possible 13 first place votes to top the poll. Coaches cannot vote for their own institution.
Northwest returns four starters off last year’s team that went 27-6 overall and 19-3 in MIAA play. The Bearcats captured both the regular season and conference tournament titles, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 round for the third consecutive year. Justin Pitts is the reigning MIAA Player of the Year and coach Ben McCollum was named MIAA Coach of the Year.
2016-17 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (13) 169
2. Washburn (1) 147
3. Fort Hays State 129
4. Lincoln 123
5. Missouri Southern 111
6. Nebraska-Kearney 104
7. Central Oklahoma 94
8. Pittsburg State 93
9. Central Missouri 92
10. Lindenwood 72
11. Emporia State 55
12. Missouri Western 45
13. Northeastern State 22
14. Southwest Baptist 18
