OSKALOOSA — The Statesmen men’s basketball team enters unfamiliar territory as the 2023-2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Tuesday.

WPU, which was 30-4 last year (21-1 Heart) is second in the 13-team league with 131 points. The Statesmen, who swept the last year’s regular season and tournament crowns, are looking to keep intact their streak of four-straight conference titles.

MidAmerica Nazarene claims the top position with 136 points, while Baker (118), Peru State (111), and Central Methodist (100) close out the top five.

Benedictine, with 72 points, leads the remaining grouping with Clarke (73), Graceland (61), Grand View (58), and Missouri Valley (51) also in the top 10.  Mount Mercy (39) is 11th and Culver-Stockton and Park wrap up the poll with 27 points apiece.

William Penn will begin its season on October 27 against East/West at 5 p.m. as part of the Governors State Classic.  The team will then face off against either Governors State or IU Kokomo on October 28.  League play starts on November 11 versus Clarke in Dubuque.

2023-2024 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. MidAmerica Nazarene–136
2. William Penn–131
3. Baker–118
4. Peru State–111
5. Central Methodist–100
6. Benedictine–82
7. Clarke–73
8. Graceland–61
9. Grand View–58
10. Missouri Valley–51
11. Mount Mercy–39
12. Culver-Stockton–27
12. Park–27