SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University men’s basketball program finished eighth in the GPAC last winter and that’s where leagued coaches have pegged it in the conference’s 2019-20 preseason poll. The Bulldogs picked up 39 points in the poll released on Friday (Oct. 18) by the GPAC. Head coach Ben Limback is entering his seventh season at the helm of the program.
The Bulldogs finished last season at 15-16 overall. They hope to build upon their 6-4 mark over the final 10 games of the conference regular-season slate. All five starters are back.
“I felt like we settled in and became clearer on what our identity was,” Limback said. “I think going into this season already knowing what to expect makes a difference. A lot of those guys didn’t know what the GPAC was about or the level of play required. There’s a lot more confidence and a lot more leadership within the team.”
Concordia welcomes back three All-GPAC performers in seniors Tanner Shuck and Brevin Sloup and sophomore Carter Kent. All three averaged double figures in scoring. The Crete High School product Kent has a bright future after earning GPAC Freshman of the Year accolades. In the frontcourt, Sammy Adjei and Chuol Biel enter their second seasons as Bulldogs after transferring to Concordia.
Defending GPAC champion Morningside topped the poll by grabbing nine first-place votes and 98 points. The Mustangs were followed in the GPAC rankings by Dakota Wesleyan, Jamestown, Dordt and Briar Cliff in the top five.
Concordia will tip off the 2019-20 season at the Hastings College Classic next Friday and Saturday (Oct. 25-26). On the first day of the event, the Bulldogs will take on Dakota State University at 5 p.m. CT.
2019-20 GPAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Morningside (nine first-place votes) – 98
2. Dakota Wesleyan (2) – 91
3. Jamestown – 78
4. Dordt – 73
5. Briar Cliff – 62
6. Northwestern – 58
7. Hastings – 47
8. Concordia – 39
9. Midland – 28
10. Doane – 16
11. Mount Marty – 15