Pittsburg State Gorillas

This is year number two for Kim Anderson at Pittsburg State where he was able to produce a 17-13 overall record and 9-10 in conference play. Anderson’s squad returns three starters from last season including Donovan Franklin who averaged just over 16 points per game as the Gorillas look to climb the standings in what is a rigorous conference.

The MIAA basketball season is right around the corner after the completion of Media Day that was held inside The College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, MO on Tuesday. UClick TV’s Jason Ketz had the chance to talk with several coaches from around the area about what it’s like competing, coaching, and recruiting in the most demanding conference in all of Division II.

On the men’s side, the preseason favorite is one that you’ll have multiple answers for. The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats were selected to finish first by the members of the media, but the Missouri Southern Lions were picked by the coaches. Washburn, Central Missouri and Central Oklahoma round out the top five as teams that have the ability to overtake the Bearcats and Lions for supreme in the MIAA.

On the women’s side, the defending national champion Central Missouri Jennies were the consensus selection for both media and coaches’ polls as they begin the season nationally ranked once again. Fort Hays State, Emporia State and Washburn round out the top 4. Pittsburg State was predicted to finish fifth by the media while the coaches gave the honor to Central Oklahoma.

Certainly, a lot of great story-lines and expectations for what should be another intense and exciting year of MIAA basketball in 2018-2019. As in just a few short months these teams will gather for the conference tournament inside the historic Municipal Auditorium just a few blocks away from the site of Media Day.