Why Washburn Men’s Basketball Feels Hungrier Than Ever Despite Being Picked No. 1 in MIAA Preseason Polls

Washburn men’s basketball soared to unprecedented heights last season, earning a coveted spot in the Final Four—and now, the challenge is set: rebuild and claw their way back to that summit. On October 6th, amidst the buzz of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s Media Day in Kansas City, the Ichabods didn’t just show up—they announced their arrival by snagging the No. 1 spot in both the coaches and media preseason polls. It’s a testament to their grit, the lingering hunger from last year’s near-miss, and the fresh faces stepping onto the court ready to write their own chapters. With a fierce schedule looming and a team blending seasoned returning players with promising transfers, Washburn’s journey this season promises grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of glory. LEARN MORE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Washburn men’s basketball reached new heights last season when it punched its ticket to the final four. Now, it must start at the bottom and work its way back to the mountaintop.

On Monday, Oct. 6, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association hosted its annual Media Day at the College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Ichabods were selected No. 1 in the preseason media and coaches poll.

Practice begins this week for Washburn with games starting in a few weeks. While many players return, new faces will be needed to perform at a high level if Washburn wants to defend as regular-season conference champions and make another postseason run.

The lone returning starter from last year is Topeka native Jack Bachelor. The 6-foot-2 junior guard started every game last year while averaging 13.6 points per game. He was a first-team all-MIAA pick, along with an all-conference defensive selection.

It hasn’t been hard getting back into basketball shape after a run to the national semifinal. If anything, it has fueled the team, according to Bachelor.

“It definitely excited us. We know what it takes and we were so close to getting to that final goal, that national championship. We were so close, it has only made us more hungry,” Bachelor said. “We are super eager to get going and there’s a level of excitement around Washburn basketball throughout the summer.”

Washburn Ichabods sophomore Jack Bachelor (14) drives the ball against MSU Moorhead in the second half of the NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship game inside Lee Arena on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Washburn hit the transfer portal to bring in four new players. Two of the players arrive from MIAA rivals. Bryson Smith is a senior guard who averaged 11.4 points with Northeastern State last season. Marcus Glock came from Northwest Missouri State. Glock is a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard who started 19 games with the Bearcats last year.

Isaiah Saams-Hoy and Jeremiah Jones are two other transfers ready to make an impact, too. Saams-Hoy is a graduate transfer from Alaska-Fairbanks, where he started every game, leading the team in scoring. Jones is a junior and is another scoring threat. He led the University of Mary in points per game last season as the team’s guard.

Bachelor has been crucial in leading these new pieces in the offseason. The expectations haven’t changed since last year’s deep postseason run.

“The transfers are learning well, we are showing them the ways and helping them out,” Bachelor said. “We’ve been around and we know the defense and the trapping tendencies better. They have adjusted well and we are excited to be on the court and see what we look like.”

Washburn Ichabods celebrate by spraying water on head coach Brett Ballard after claiming the NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship game inside Lee Arena on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Washburn’s first game sees them go on the road to Lakeland, Florida, for the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. They will face Augusta and Dallas Baptist on Nov. 1-2. It’s a brutal non-conference schedule for the Ichabods. Dallas Baptist also reached the Final Four last year.

The Ichabods will also have a Sweet 16 rematch against Minnesota State-Moorhead in early November. The first home game for Washburn will be against Rockhurst on Nov. 19.

“This is the toughest non-conference schedule that we’ve had,” head coach Brett Ballard said. “On paper, I think this is the toughest one that we’ve had. I’m excited to see how we look out of the gates in Florida.”

Every coach in the conference picked Washburn as the preseason No. 1-ranked team. The only other team selected No. 1 was Rogers State. Coaches cannot pick their own team, meaning Ballard selected the Hillcats because of the team’s returning experience.

“They have a lot back and I have a lot of respect for coach (Justin) Barkley,” Ballard said. “On paper, I thought they had as much back as anybody. I felt like they were one of the better teams last year. I thought they deserved that ranking.”

MIAA preseason coaches poll

Washburn (13)
Rogers State (1)
Central Oklahoma
Fort Hays State
Pittsburg State
Nebraska Kearney
Central Missouri
Missouri Western
Northeastern State
Emporia State
Newman
Arkansas Fort Smith
Missouri Southern
Northwest Missouri State

MIAA preseason media poll

Washburn (23)
Fort Hays State (1)
Rogers State (1)
Pittsburg State
Central Oklahoma
Nebraska Kearney
Central Missouri
Missouri Western
Emporia State
Northeastern State
Northwest Missouri
Newman
Missouri Southern
Arkansas Fort Smith

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]m