The Emporia State basketball teams will look to outperform the expectations of their peers as both were slotted in the bottom half of the 2026-27 MIAA Basketball Preseason Polls released at MIAA Basketball Media Day on Tuesday at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City. The Hornets were selected 12th in the coaches poll and 13th in the media poll. Washburn is the pick of the coaches and media to win ‘The Association’ this year with the Ichabods receiving all 30 media first-place votes and 12 of the 14 coaches votes. Central Missouri was picked second and received a top-slot tally and Missouri Southern also received a first-place selection in the coaches poll to finish in the fourth slot. The Hornet men will rely on seven freshmen to help contribute this year. Head coach Tom Billeter says he feels with recruiting changes across college basketball, he’s able to land top-quality freshman recruits.
Returner Chris Harris says he’s enjoyed the early work with the new guys.
The Hornet women were picked 10th by the coaches and 9th by the media in 2026-27. Central Missouri is the preseason favorite to win the league from both the coaches and the media. UCM received 10 of 14 first-place votes in the coaches poll and 16 of the top picks in the media poll. Fort Hays State was second in both polls getting one top selection from the coaches and 13 from the media while Southern was third in both polls picking up a first-place selection in the coaches poll. Washburn received a top choice in both polls and Missouri Western picked up the final first-place vote. Head coach MJ Baker said she and her staff learned a lot after year one through the MIAA.
Returner Micah Hannah said she’s excited to get started.
Sophomore Vanessa Coleman was excited to take in the atmosphere at the College Basketball Experience.
The Lady Hornets open their season with a trip to Arkadelphia, Ark. to play in the MIAA-GAC Crossover beginning Thursday, November 12. The ESU men are headed back to the Hillyard Classic hosted by Missouri Western for the third-straight year on Friday, November 13.
