AUGUSTA, Ga. – Ahead of the 2025-26 Men's Basketball campaign, the Peach Belt Conference released its Preseason Poll this morning. Lander was picked to finish fifth in the newly-expanded 11-team league.

The Bearcats received 61 points in the poll that was voted on by conference head coaches. They tied with Columbus State, with the four teams selected ahead being: North Georgia at No.1, USC Beaufort at No. 2, and USCA and Augusta third and fourth.

The remainder of the poll can be viewed at the PBC Release link above.

The Bearcats return Terry Leonard Jr., Jake Tringone, Wil Stewart, Greyson Pritzl and Bryce Edwards from a season ago, in addition to welcoming back familiar faces Tommy Moore and Navaughn Maise.

Lander has five freshmen on its roster this season – Jaylen Claggett, Jacob Daniels, Bobby Crawford Jr., Reid Stodghill and Breon Steele – with transfers Sam Perry, Antewan Webber Jr., Jaden Miller and Dylan Canoville joining the fold.

Lander also added Alex Dahling and Sebastian Augustave as Assistant Coach and Graduate Assistant Coach under Head Coach Omar Wattad in the offseason.

The Blue and Gold tip-off their season on Nov. 14 with a home date versus Catawba. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. inside Finis Horne Arena.

A preseason interview with Coach Wattad and Moore can be viewed here.