Click here to view the entire poll (PDF)

ST. AUGUSTINE – For the first time in the NCAA Division II era, the Flagler College men's basketball team were ranked in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division II Preseason Top 25, released late Tuesday afternoon.

"I think preseason rankings are almost always a reflection of what happened the year prior," said fifth-year head coach Chad Warner. "While it's a nice recognition for our players and for Flagler, I know it will not win us a single game this year."

The defending Peach Belt Conference regular and postseason champions, as well as South Region champions, are the only league team ranked nationally and join fellow Southeast Region foes Queens University of Charlotte (No. 16) and Lincoln Memorial University (No. 17) in the poll. The Saints had to play in a different region last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topping the preseason poll is last year's national champion, Northwest Missouri State University. The Bearcats have won three-of-the-last-four national titles. Following Flagler was West Texas A&M University (No. 3), Colorado Mesa University (No. 4), and the Colorado School of Mines (No. 5).

Flagler returns four starters from last year's 18-3 club, who finished ranked No. 8. All-American guard Jaizec Lottie will look to once again lead the charges with fellow backcourt teammate, and all-conference guard, Derrick Ellis, Jr. A pair of all-conference forwards, Chris Metzger and Jalen Barr are back. Barr received PBC Defender of the Year honors.

"I love our players and how they play for each other," said Warner. "I look forward to them fighting for the right to win games this season. I am thankful to be their coach and look forward to the hard work in front of us."

The Saints open with an exhibition game at Valparaiso University on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Central. They open the regular season on Nov. 12 at Anderson University of South Carolina in the Southeast Region Crossover Tournament. Flagler opens its home schedule on Nov. 16 against Rollins College.        

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