TOWSON, Md. – The Wilkes University men's basketball team has been selected to finish seventh in the 2023-24 Landmark Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll released by the conference office this morning.
 
The Colonels earned 35 points in their first appearance in the annual survey of Landmark coaches. Wilkes finished last season with a 13-12 record in the MAC Freedom. Head Coach Izzi Metz enters his tenth season at the helm of the Colonels.
 
Catholic University claimed the top spot in the poll after making it to the conference semifinals last season. The Cardinals were awarded 81 points, including 9 first place votes. Coming in second place is the 2022-23 conference finalist Juniata (68 points), followed by Susquehanna with 64 points and a first place vote. Rounding out the top five spots are defending Landmark champion Scranton (61 points) and Moravian (42 points).
 
Drew narrowly edged out the Colonels for sixth place with 37 points. Following Wilkes in eighth is Lycoming, who captured 29 points. Elizabethtown (23 points) and Goucher (10 points) wrap up the poll in the ninth and tenth places respectively.
 
Wilkes' season gets underway on Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. when they host Keystone College at the newly-renovated Marts Center. The Colonels welcome the University of Scranton to town on Wednesday, November 29 to begin their first season of Landmark Conference play against the Royals. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
 
2023 Landmark Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Catholic - 81 points (9)
2. Juniata - 68 points
3. Susquehanna - 64 points (1)
4. Scranton - 61 points
5. Moravian - 42 points
6. Drew - 37 points
7. Wilkes - 35 points
8. Lycoming - 29 points
9. Elizabethtown - 23 points
10. Goucher - 10 points