Men's Basketball Begins Year in Top-25

First time in NAIA rankings since 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2023-24 edition of the men's basketball preseason top-25 coaches' poll, with Northwestern receiving a spot, ranked No. 21 to begin the season.

Northwestern's top-25 ranking is their first time in the rankings since February 22, 2021, when the Red Raiders were ranked No. 23.

The ranking adds excitement around a team that returns a core group from its 2022-23 NAIA tournament-qualifying squad. Northwestern returns three starters and will have three former All-American honorees on the court in Dillon Carlson (Sr., Ankeny, Iowa), Craig Sterk (Sr., McBain, Mich.), and Alex Van Kalsbeek (So., Sheldon, Iowa).

Defending national champion College of Idaho was placed in the No. 1 spot to begin the year. Grace (Ind.), Arizona Christian, Langston (Okla.), and Georgetown (Ky.) round out the top-five.

Among Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) schools, Morningside and Northwestern sit in the top-25 with Dordt and Jamestown receiving votes.

GPAC IN THE TOP-25
No. 13 Morningside Mustangs
No. 21 NORTHWESTERN RED RAIDERS
RV Dordt Defenders
RV Jamestown Jimmies

The Raiders open their season next Friday against Indiana University East in Richmond, Indiana.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

#4 Dillon Carlson: G; 6' 2"; Senior

#24 Craig Sterk: F; 6' 7"; Senior

#33 Alex Van Kalsbeek: F; 6' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#4 Dillon Carlson
: 6' 2"; Senior
: G

#24 Craig Sterk
: 6' 7"; Senior
: F

#33 Alex Van Kalsbeek
: 6' 6"; Sophomore
: F

Players Mentioned

#4 Dillon Carlson

#24 Craig Sterk

#33 Alex Van Kalsbeek

Players Mentioned

#4 Dillon Carlson

#24 Craig Sterk

#33 Alex Van Kalsbeek