The Fort Hays State University Men’s Basketball team as recently been chosen as the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s preseason favorite in both the media and coaches poll.
Coming into the this upcoming season the Tigers have a nice blend of returners that were apart of last season’s 20-8 overall record. Fort Hays State also captured a share of the regular season MIAA title along with Central Missouri.
“We have a good combination of returners and some new guys, I think it might be half and half,” said Head Coach Mark Johnson.
In the preseason poll, Fort Hays State edged out Northwest Missouri State with 153 votes including five first place tabs. The bearcats picked up 149 votes with six first place tabs.
2013-14 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Fort Hays State (5) 153
2. Northwest Missouri (6) 149
3. Central Missouri 129
4. Northeastern State (1) 127
5. Central Oklahoma (1) 113
6. Missouri Southern (1) 104
7. Washburn 101
8. Pittsburg State 93
9. Emporia State 83
10. Lindenwood 81
11. Missouri Western 54
12. Southwest Baptist 46
13. Nebraska-Kearney 26
14. Lincoln 15
2013-14 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Fort Hays State (13) 353
2. Northwest Missouri (9) 330
3. Central Missouri (2) 301
4. Northeastern State (1) 296
5. Washburn (1) 265
6. Central Oklahoma 234
7. Pittsburg State 204
8. Lindenwood 195
9. Missouri Southern (1) 194
10. Emporia State 164
11. Southwest Baptist 103
12. Missouri Western 102
13. Nebraska-Kearney 64
14. Lincoln 30