Contact: Chassidy Holloway, Associate Executive Director, holloway@midwestconference.org
 
GRINNELL, Iowa – For the second consecutive season, Illinois College has been picked first in the Midwest Conference (MWC) Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, announced Wednesday morning.
 
The Blueboys topped this year’s preseason poll with 62 points and six first-place votes. Last season, Illinois College finished 13-3 in MWC play and 24-5 overall, sweeping the MWC Championship and MWC Tournament titles for the second straight year. The Blueboys also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after a buzzer-beating three-pointer over the University of Dubuque. They narrowly missed the third round with a one-point overtime loss to Washington University in St. Louis.
 
Grinnell College secured second place with 58 points and received the remaining three first-place votes. Last season, the Pioneers finished second in the standings with a 12-4 record against league opponents and a 19-7 overall record. Grinnell’s last MWC title came during the 2000-2001 season.
 
The top five is rounded out by Beloit College (50 points) in third place, followed by Ripon College (44) and Monmouth College (31).
 
The poll concludes with Cornell College (28), Lake Forest College (26), Lawrence University (15), and Knox College (10).
 
Five league teams will tip off the 2024-25 campaign on Friday, November 8, against non-conference opponents. MWC play begins on Tuesday, December 3, with six squads competing against each other.
 
The 2024 MWC Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1. This season-ending event will feature the league’s top four teams from the final standings, competing for the tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Full preseason poll results and quick facts for all nine league teams can be found below.
 
2024-25 MWC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Results
1. Illinois College (6) – 62 points
2. Grinnell College (3) – 58 points
3. Beloit College – 50 points
4. Ripon College – 44 points
5. Monmouth College – 31 points
6. Cornell College – 28 points
7. Lake Forest College – 26 points
8. Lawrence University – 15 points
9. Knox College – 10 points
 
() – indicates first-place votes
*Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.
 
Beloit College Buccaneers
Head Coach: Josh Hinz (6^th Season)
2023-24: 16-10 (overall); 9-7 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Azeez Ganiyu (Fifth Year – Forward)
 
Cornell College Rams
Head Coach: Dave Schlabaugh (8^th Season)
2023-24: 9-16 (overall); 6-10 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: N/A
 
Grinnell College Pioneers
Head Coach: David Arseneault Jr. (7^th Season)
2023-24: 19-7 (overall); 12-4 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Gabe Garcia (So – Guard), Kai Te Huki (So – Forward, 2023-24 MWC Newcomer of the Year)
 
Illinois College Blueboys
Head Coach: Steve Schweer (7^th Season)
2023-24: 24-5 (overall); 13-3 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Buzz Ritzel (Sr - Guard)
 
Knox College Prairie Fire
Head Coach: Corey Harvey (1^st Season)
2023-24: 13-12 (overall); 6-10 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Sean Gallery (Sr – Guard)
 
Lake Forest College Foresters
Head Coach: Matt Griggs (1^st Season)
2023-24: 9-16 (overall); 7-9 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Alex Knight (Sr – Guard)
 
Lawrence University Vikings
Head Coach: Casey Korn (4^th Season)
2023-24: 5-20 (overall); 3-13 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: N/A
 
Monmouth College Fighting Scots
Head Coach: Todd Skrivseth (14^th Season)
2023-24: 13-12 (overall); 7-9 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Turner Plumer (Jr – Forward)
 
Ripon College Red Hawks
Head Coach: Kenny Finco (2^nd Season)
2023-24: 11-15 (overall); 9-7 (MWC)
All-Conference Returnees: Luke Meinholz (Sr – Guard/Forward)