The Northwest Conference has released its 2024-25 preseason coaches poll, with defending co-champions Whitworth earning the top spot. Head coaches from across the conference voted on the rankings, placing the Pirates, who captured a share of the 2024 NWC regular season title alongside Whitman, at the pinnacle of the poll. Whitworth garnered six first-place votes and a total of 61 points, setting high expectations as they aim to defend their title this season.
Close behind, Puget Sound and Whitman share the second spot with 52 points each. Puget Sound received two first-place votes, while Whitman, last season's regular season co-champion, secured one.
Pacific rounds out the top half of the poll, positioned fourth with 40 points, marking them as a key contender heading into the season. Willamette, Pacific Lutheran, and George Fox are locked in a three-way tie for fifth place, each collecting 32 points, highlighting the depth within the conference.
Linfield and Lewis & Clark complete the standings with 12 and 11 points, respectively, and will look to make strides and challenge the upper ranks as the season progresses.
The NWC teams are set to return to action on Friday, November 8. This season will culminate with the NWC Men’s Basketball Tournament, scheduled for February 28 to March 1, 2025, hosted by the regular season champion.
(Points awarded on an 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. Coaches could not vote for their own teams; numbers in parentheses indicate first place votes)
|
Team
|
Pts.
|
2024 NWC Finish
|
|
Whitworth (6)
|
61
|
1st
|
|
Puget Sound (2)
|
52
|
3rd
|
|
Whitman (1)
|
52
|
1st
|
|
Pacific
|
40
|
3rd
|
|
George Fox
|
32
|
6th
|
|
Pacific Lutheran
|
32
|
6th
|
|
Willamette
|
32
|
3rd
|
|
Linfield
|
12
|
8th
|
|
Lewis & Clark
|
11
|
9th
|