KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team has been picked to finish in a tie for ninth place in the preseason MIAA coaches poll. The Griffons finished 10th last season, going 12-15 overall and 8-11 in the MIAA.

The Griffons lost two starters to graduation, including leading scorer Cortrez Colbert but return six letter winners from the 2014-15 team.

Kevin Thomas leads a group of three returning starters. Thomas’ 8.6 points per game were second on the team last season and he led MWSU with a 6.2 rebound per game average and 17 blocks. Cole Clearman’s 49 made three-pointers led the team. He returns after averaging 7.9 points per game last year. Other returning starters include Currie Byrd and Aaron Emmanuel. Emmanuel’s 81 assists led the team and Byrd was fourth on the team with six points per game.

Missouri Western will open the 2015-16 season on November 6th with an exhibition game at Missouri. The Griffons then play four-straight regular season games at home, beginning with the Hillyard Tip-Off Classic November 13th and 14th.

2015-16 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (9), 164
2. Central Missouri (1), 143
3. Nebraska-Kearney (1), 141
4. Missouri Southern (2), 140
5. Pittsburg State (1), 134
6. Fort Hays State, 101
7. Lindenwood, 91
8. Central Oklahoma, 77
T9. Washburn, 72
T9. Missouri Western, 72
11. Emporia State, 58
12. Southwest Baptist, 38
13. Northeastern State, 29
14. Lincoln, 14

— MWSU Athletics —