Yellowjackets Picked Eighth in Preseason GNAC Poll

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Montana State Billings men’s basketball team has been picked eighth by the league’s coaches in the annual Great Northwest Athletic Conference preseason poll, the conference announced Tuesday.  Central Washington was tabbed league favorite.

“Preseason polls are often a byproduct of returning players and the performance of last season’s team which was 1-28,” head coach George Pfeifer said.  “If that formula is true anyone who is paying attention understands our current ranking. One of our immediate team goals has to be gaining more ‘respect’. I believe in the athletic arena it is not so much earned as it is taken. We have our work cut out to do that and change the perception.”

The Wildcats earned the top spot with seven first place votes and 86 points total.  Western Washington was selected second with two first place votes and 61 points, just ahead of Alaska Anchorage.  Seattle Pacific was fourth with 53 points, followed by Northwest Nazarene with 50 points to round out the top five.  Saint Martin’s was selected sixth (40) followed by Western Oregon (29), MSUB (22) and Alaska Fairbanks with 17.
Pfeifer is in his first season at the helm of the Yellowjacket program and will welcome in nine new players, including two Division I transfers in Mike Hall (Idaho) and Travis Bunker (Wyoming).  In addition, six letterwinners return from last season as well. 

The Yellowjackets open the season at Division I Gonzaga, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. PST.  The home opener is scheduled for Nov. 22 against Montana Western at 7 p.m.