Horizon League Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

Mar 18, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; Wright State Raiders guard Trey Calvin (1) dribbles the basketball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

Horizon League Basketball Adrian Nelson #1 of the Youngstown State Penguins is seen with Dwayne Cohill (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. Robert Morris Colonials

2022-23 season record: 16-17 (10-10)

It was the best year for the Colonials since they joined the Horizon League, nearly earning a bye in the conference tournament. But they had to rebuild after losing their two star players, Enoch Cheeks and Kahliel Spear. The good news is that they return three starters, including double-digit scorer Josh Corbin and potential breakout sophomore, Stephaun Walker.

The key to RMU is the two transfers. Markeese Hastings averaged 8.3 ppg and 9.3 rpg at Western Michigan and should give them needed interior play, while Justice Williams is a former top-40 prospect and transfer from LSU. If he comes to the Horizon League and dominates, the Colonials could improve on last year’s efforts. If not, they could struggle to score in a lot of games.

5. Youngstown State Penguins

2022-23 season record: 24-10 (15-5)

The Penguins were the best team in the regular season, thanks to having the Player of the Year, Dwayne Cohill. He’s one of several key players gone, along with Adrian Nelson and Malek Green. The team went back to the transfer portal to reload, led by Merrimack transfer Ziggy Reid (14.2 ppg) and DJ Burns, a big man that produced 8.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg at Murray State.

Returning double-digit scorer Brandon Rush should be the focal point of the offense but some of the other newcomers are moving up a level, instead of coming down. That could limit how effective the overall new group is, which will limit their ceiling this time around, compared to the schools returning its key pieces.

Home/Mid Major Conferences