The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced the outcome of its preseason men's basketball poll for 2026-27 today, Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The rankings were determined by a vote of the league coaches.
If the poll is any indication of how the 2026-27 season will unfold, GLIAC men's basketball fans are in for a fight-to-the-finish, edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster ride, as not only was there a tie at the top of rankings but four teams garnered at least one first place vote.
Grand Valley State and Lake Superior State each totaled 89 points in the vote and share preseason favorite status in the rankings. GVSU, however, held an advantage in first-place votes, earning five, while LSSU garnered three.
Defending GLIAC Tournament champion Grand Valley will be headlined by forward Shamus Thompson, the team's returning rebounding leader (6.5 rpg), forward Dylan Smith, who averaged 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds for Davenport a year ago, and guard Antuane Allen.
Lake Superior State will be led by three returnees -- guard/forward Harrison Sorrelle (12.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), guard Karter Richards (10.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg), the 2025-26 GLIAC Freshman of the Year, and forward Tyler Jamison (8.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg).
GLIAC regular season co-champion Michigan Tech polled a close third, receiving 83 points and two first-place votes.
The Huskies lose All-GLIAC First Team honorees Marcus Tomashek and Dawson Nordgaard but welcome back guard/forward Gabe Smith, the team's returner in rebounds (6.8) and steals (62), and guard Jesse Napgezek (7.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg).
Ferris State was tabbed fourth, collecting 68 points and the final first-place vote. The Bulldogs will be helmed by first-year head coach Brooks Miller in 2026-27 and will look to junior forward Tae Boyd for on-the-court leadership. In 17 games played last season, Boyd averaged a team-high 13.6 points per game.
Parkside was chosen to place fifth (56 points). The Rangers also have a new coach, Kyle Blackbourn, who came to Kenosha from Rockhurst University. Luka Mateski, a 6-7 guard from Serbia, scored 16.7 points per game in 2025-26.
Northern Michigan, who secured a share of the GLIAC regular season title last year, was selected sixth, totaling 51 points. First-year head coach Keil Ganz returns key contributors, guards Brooks Hinson and Charlie Miller.
Purdue Northwest (7th, 49 points) and Saginaw Valley State (8th, 47 points) were separated in the rankings by just two points.
Wayne State was voted ninth (37 points), followed by Davenport (26 points) and Roosevelt (10 points) 10th, to round out the poll.
Northern Michigan (vs. Central Oklahoma) and Grand Valley State (vs. Harding) will see the first action of the 2026-27 campaign among GLIAC schools, participating in the Midwest Tip-Off Challenge on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
