[Men's Basketball] Men's Basketball Receiving Votes in NAIA Poll

Doane Men's Basketball will start the season with expectations higher than recent years. Expectations come with the number of returners back from last year's squad who saw plenty of playing time for a team that finished 14-18 along with notable newcomers. With those expecations, comes national recognition. The Tigers are receiving votes in the NAIA Division II Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Tuesday; the first time Doane has been mentioned in the poll since the 2012-13 season.

The Tigers ended last year with an appearance in the GPAC Tournament semifinals after upsetting Briar Cliff in the opening round. On Monday, the GPAC released their preseason poll with the Tigers picked to finish fourth by the conference coaches. Morningside, Briar Cliff, and Dakota Wesleyan were picked ahead of Doane and also boost lofty expecations. Morningside is ranked No. 4, Briar Cliff is No. 10 and Dakota Wesleyan is No. 17 in the NAIA poll.

Doane opens their season with three home non-conference games before the conference schedule starts on November 7 at Hastings. The Tigers will host Dakota State (S.D.) on Friday (October 26), Bethel (Kan.) on October 30, and NCAA Division III defending National Champion Nebraska Wesleyan on November 2. All three home games are set for 7 PM tip-offs.