The Emporia State basketball teams preview the 2025-26 basketball season on Wednesday with their annual Late Night at White preview event. The Hornet teams will be introduced with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. and the event beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event will include intra-squad scrimmages and chances for fan participation and prizes. The Hornets are led by second-year head coach Tom Billeter who led ESU to an 11-18 record with an 8-11 mark in the MIAA last season. Billeter picked up his 500th career win last season and enters the year 501-292 entering his 27th season as a head coach with a 310-198 mark in conference games. Head coach MJ Baker begins her first season in Emporia following an eight-year stint at Eastern Florida State College where she went 183-58 while leading the Titans to three conference titles and three NJCAA Tournament appearances. 2025-26 will be her 16th season as a head coach and she enters the year with a 334-148 career record while going 162-61 in conference play.
Baker makes her debut on the Lady Hornet bench at the D2 Central Region Showcase in St. Joseph, Mo. on Friday, November 14 against Wayne State College at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on Mix 104.9. The Hornets are also in St. Joe to open the season in the Hillyard Tipoff Classic the same day at the MWSU Fieldhouse and will also face Wayne State with a 2:00 p.m. tip-off. Coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m. on 1400 AM/96.9 FM KVOE.
