KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its preseason poll ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Anderson ranked No. 18 nationally.
 
As the only South Atlantic Conference program in the nation's top 25 ahead of the upcoming season, the Trojans are joined by fellow Southeast region competitor Lander at No. 7 after the Bearcats went 30-6 during the 2025-26 season. The reigning national champions, Gannon, are tabbed No. 3 after posting a 34-3 record and securing their first national title.
 
The Trojans enter the upcoming campaign after posting a 29-3 overall record and securing both the South Atlantic Conference Regular Season and Championship Tournament title for the first time in program history. Under a new coaching staff led by head coach Ben Thompson, the Black and Gold look to build on last season's historic success as it begins a new era of Trojan basketball.
 
"While we are honored and humbled to be selected as a Top 25 team in the NABC Preseason Rankings, we also know that there is a lot of work to be done," said Thompson.
 
Anderson opens the 2026-27 campaign at home on Monday, Nov. 9 when it hosts nonconference opponent Morehouse. The contest marks the first matchup between the two teams in program history.
 
"We can't wait for the season to get started in front of our Trojan Army on November 9 in Abney!" added Thompson.