BRISTOL, Tenn.- The 2026-27 Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Preseason Poll is out, and the King University Men's Basketball team is set to tip off a new campaign eager to climb the league standings and make waves in a competitive conference.
Preseason Poll Overview:
UNC Pembroke, the perennial power and defending east division champions, were picked atop the poll by the league's coaches, collecting nine first-place votes and 219 points. King slots in at 11th with 99 points, just behind Belmont Abbey and Converse, and ahead of Ferrum, Lees-McRae, Shorter, and Erskine. Chowan, Young Harris, Emmanuel, and North Greenville round out the top five.
King will look to outperform expectations in a stacked field that includes last year's tournament runner-up Chowan (picked second) and defending champion Young Harris (third), as well as Emmanuel, North Greenville, and a deep middle of the pack.
Players to Watch:
The Tornado are counting on big contributions from their Preseason Players to Watch:
This trio, bringing experience and versatility, will anchor the lineup as King battles through the always-tough league schedule.
Championship Outlook:
The Conference Carolinas Men's and Women's Basketball Championships will tip off in late February with a new format, as seeds 4-12 compete in opening round games before quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals take place March 5-7 at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. King's path begins in the regular season, where every contest will be critical to postseason seeding.
Looking Ahead:
With their sights set on moving up the standings, King Men's Basketball is poised to compete with pride, energy, and determination in 2026-27. The Tornado faithful can expect an exciting season as the team looks to make its mark in the Conference Carolinas.
