Men’s Basketball Ties for Third in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hope College men's basketball team tied for third in the 2026-27 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Flying Dutch, who won the MIAA Tournament last season after finishing runner-up in the regular-season standings, totaled 37 points in this season's eight-team poll.

The University of Olivet, the reigning regular-season champ, topped the rankings with 46 points and six first-place votes. Trine University placed second with 40 points and one first-place vote. Hope and Calvin finished with 37 points and were followed by Albion College (24), Alma College (18), Kalamazoo College (12), and Adrian College (10).

Led by head coach Greg Mitchell, the Flying Dutch aim to build off an 11-3 regular-season in MIAA play and the 16th MIAA Tournament crown in program history.

Sophomore guard Brendan Cargill (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) returns after claiming All-MIAA Second Team honors last season. Other key returnees include 6-6 junior forward Orion Yant (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland West), 6-7 junior forward Kyle Blauch, and 6-1 sophomore guard Avery Sanchez (Turlock, California / John Pitman).

Hope tips off the season on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. against Anderson University at DeVos Fieldhouse.

The Flying Dutch's MIAA opener is Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Trine.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale through the Hope College Ticket Office, 100 East 8th St., in person, online, or by phone at (616) 395-7890.

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