FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 18, 2023) – The Big Sky Conference office has announced the results of its Preseason Coaches’ and Media Poll, which have both tabbed the Weber State Wildcats as the favorites going into the 2023-24 men’s basketball campaign.
Last season the Wildcats finished 12-6 in Big Sky Conference play, while going 18-15 overall. WSU brings back a ton of experience and depth, including unanimous First Team All-Conference performer Dillon Jones.
Jones, who spent his summer going through the NBA Draft process, is the only player in Weber State history with at least 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists and 100 steals.
The Wildcats also welcome back KJ Cunningham, Dyson Koehler, Steven Verplancken Jr. and Alex Tew, who have all played significant minutes for WSU in the past.
Weber State received all nine available first-place votes in the Coaches’ Poll, as the league’s head coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams. In the media poll, they received 33 first-place votes.
The coaches and media were split on who will be the second-best team in the Big Sky Conference. In the Coaches’ Poll, the Montana Grizzlies were tabbed as the runner-up and in the Media Poll the Eastern Washington Eagles earned that nod. EWU.
The Grizzlies welcome back a lot of experience as well, led by sharp-shooter Aanen Moody. Last season Eastern Washington secured the Big Sky’s first NIT victory since 2002 in the opening round of the tournament, knocking off Washington State on the road in Pullman 81-74.
The Eagles went on an unprecedented run during Big Sky play last season, as they became the first team in league history to start a conference slate 16-0. That run was also part of an 18-game overall winning streak that tied for the longest in Big Sky history in a single season.
Both sets of voters were also very split on the defending Big Sky Tournament Champions, as the Montana State Bobcats were selected fourth by the media but seventh by the coaches.
The 2023-24 Preseason All-Conference Team and Most Valuable Player will be announced on Thursday, October 19.
A full breakdown of the Preseason Polls can be seen on the Big Sky Conference Basketball Tipoff show, that will air on Tuesday, October 31
st at 12:00 p.m. MT.
Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for all the latest news around the league and use the hashtag #ExperienceElevated.
2023-24 Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1 – Weber State (9) – 81
2 – Montana (1) – 70
3 – Eastern Washington – 68
4 – Sacramento State – 50
5 – Portland State – 48
6 – Idaho State – 39
7 – Montana State – 35
T8 – Northern Arizona – 22
T8 – Northern Colorado – 22
10 – Idaho – 15
2023-24 Men’s Basketball Preseason Media Poll
1 – Weber State (33) – 347
2 – Eastern Washington (2) – 301
3 – Montana – 279
4 – Montana State – 197
5 – Sacramento State – 196
6 – Portland State – 166
7 – Idaho State – 155
8 – Northern Arizona – 135
9 – Northern Colorado – 90
10 – Idaho – 59
() – First-Place Votes