For the sixth time in program history, Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball will begin the season at No. 1 in the NABC's Preseason Top 25 Poll.

Northwest gained 10 first-place votes in the preseason NABC poll. Nova Southeastern was second in the poll with five first-place votes. Northwest is one of three MIAA schools in the preseason poll with Central Oklahoma at No. 9 and Emporia State at No. 20. 

The Bearcats were also tabbed No. 1 in the preseason poll in 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Northwest returns a pair of second-team all-MIAA performers in senior Wes Dreamer and sophomore Bennett Stirtz. Dreamer averaged 12.8 points per game and led the team in rebounding (5.2/game). Dreamer had 18 double-figure scoring games last season, including six 20-point scoring contests last season. Stirtz was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year after he ranked second on the team in scoring at 12.6 points per game. Stirtz topped the MIAA in field goal percentage (60.1%) and in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.28). Stirtz posted the most steals (65) in the nation by an NCAA Div. II freshman in 2022-23.

In his 15th season at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 365-86. His winning percentage of .809 ranks No. 3 among NCAA Division II coaches and No. 5 among all NCAA Division coaches (minimum of 10 years experience). Northwest has suffered only 16 losses in the last seven seasons and captured four NCAA Div. II national championships in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 224-16 over the last seven years. Northwest has won 10 consecutive MIAA regular season titles.

Last 7 Seasons
35-1 - 2016-17 (National Champions)
27-4 - 2017-18
38-0 - 2018-19 (National Champions)
31-1 - 2019-20
28-2 - 2020-21 (National Champions)
34-5 - 2021-22 (National Champions)
31-3 - 2022-23

Northwest will open the 2023-24 season Nov. 10 against No. 21-ranked Northern State at the Hillyard Classic in St. Joseph, Mo.