BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Wagner College men's basketball team was picked to finish fifth in the 2026-27 NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced.
Last season, the Seahawks finished with an overall record of 14-17, including an 8-10 mark in NEC play. Wagner earned the No. 7 seed in the NEC Tournament and upset second-seeded Central Connecticut State, 70-60, in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual conference champion and top-seeded LIU, 64-56, in the semifinals.
LIU earned the top spot in the preseason poll with seven first-place votes, while Mercyhurst was picked second with two first-place votes.
CCSU and Le Moyne were picked tied for third, followed by Wagner in fifth. FDU and Stonehill were selected tied for sixth, while Chicago State and New Haven rounded out the nine-team poll.
LIU led the way with three selections to the Preseason All-NEC Team, including senior guard Vasean Allette, redshirt sophomore guard Daquan Davis and junior forward Jahki Howard. Le Moyne earned the remaining two spots with guard Jake Lemelman and swingman Tennessee Rainwater.
Tickets for Wagner's 2026-27 season are on sale now at wagnerathletics.com/tickets or by calling 718-420-4039.
2026-27 NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. LIU (7)
2. Mercyhurst (2)
T-3. CCSU
T-3. Le Moyne
5. Wagner
T-6. FDU
T-6. Stonehill
8. Chicago State
9. New Haven
First-place votes in parentheses.
