2021-22 GPAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
SEWARD, Neb. – The expectations are high for Concordia University Men’s Basketball entering the 2021-22 season. The Bulldogs slotted in at No. 3 in the 2021-22 GPAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll released on Wednesday (Oct. 20). Concordia earned 79 points in the poll while being placed behind Morningside and Jamestown. The preseason NAIA National Coaches’ poll is scheduled to be unveiled next Wednesday (Oct. 27).
Head Coach Ben Limback’s program tied for third in the GPAC last season while equaling a program record for conference wins in a single season (14). The Bulldogs return all five starters (and their top seven scorers) from last season, including All-GPAC honorees in Carter Kent, Gage Smith and Justin Wiersema. The latter rose to first team all-conference status while becoming one of the top backcourt players in the GPAC. Considering the talent and depth, Concordia has the capability to reach the national tournament for the second time in three seasons.
Among the highlights last season, the Bulldogs went 9-1 in GPAC home games with eight of those wins coming by double-digit margins. They swept the regular season series from GPAC tournament champion Northwestern and came within an eyelash of doing the same to Jamestown, which advanced to the NAIA national quarterfinals. Over the past two seasons, Concordia has gone a combined 41-19 overall and celebrated a GPAC tournament title in 2020.
For a detailed season preview, click HERE.
2021-22 GPAC Preseason Poll
1. Morningside – 96 (6)
2. Jamestown – 95 (5)
3. Concordia – 79
4. Northwestern – 74
5. Dakota Wesleyan – 66
6. Briar Cliff – 54
7. Dordt – 44
8. Midland – 33
9. Doane – 28
10. Mount Marty – 23
11. Hastings – 13