Wright State picked second in Horizon League men’s basketball preseason poll

A year after being picked to finish last in the Horizon League, the Wright State men’s basketball team got the most first-place votes in the preseason poll released Wednesday, but in the closest poll ever, Green Bay was tabbed as the favorite by one point.

Wright State, which lost in the Horizon League championship game last season, received 22 of the 46 first-place votes. Green Bay received 21.

Cleveland State, picked to finish third, received two first-place votes. Oakland and Youngstown State, picked fourth and fifth, respectively, each received one first place vote.

Defending regular-season and tournament champion Valparaiso was picked sixth and was followed by Illinois-Chicago, Detroit, which finished second in the regular season last season, and Milwaukee.

Cole Darling was named to the preseason first team. He was the only Raider player to receive a preseason honor.

Youngstown State’s Kendrick Perry was the preseason pick for player of the year.

Wright State opens the season with an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 against Findlay at the Nutter Center. Its regular-season opener is at 5 p.m. Nov. 10 against Mount St. Joseph at the Nutter Center.

Wright State is hosting a basketball luncheon for the men’s and women’s teams on Oct. 23 at the Berry Room at the Nutter Center. Cost is $15 if paid in advance at the athletic department. Reservations will be taken until Monday. For more information, call 775-2771.

Complete poll

1. Green Bay (21) 390

2. Wright State (22) 389

3. Cleveland State (2) 338

4. Oakland (1) 258

5. Youngstown State (1) 219

6. Valparaiso 205

7. UIC 151

8. Detroit 141

9. Milwaukee 69

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