Horizon League Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season
2. Milwaukee Panthers
2022-23 season record: 22-14 (14-6)
It was an incredibly impressive first year for HC Bart Lundy, taking Milwaukee from the bottom to the top tier. They do lose some rotation pieces, most notably, forward Ahmad Rand. But what should allow the Panthers to remain contenders is the return of all-league guard, BJ Freeman (18.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg). Three other starters are back as well, including Kentrell Pullman and Markeith Browning.
The key for Milwaukee is how the frontcourt looks and there’s some potential. Langston Wilson is a former JUCO All-American and transfer from Washington, while Faizon Fields is a 6’10 transfer from Old Dominion. If they can be impactful to balance out the offense, this team will be very tough to stop.
1. Northern Kentucky Norse
2022-23 season record: 22-13 (14-6)
The Norse was right there at the top of the conference all last season and knocked off Youngstown State to make the Big Dance. They could be the favorites to repeat, thanks to the return of star guard and 3-time All-Horizon League performer, Marques Warrick (18.8 ppg and 2.6 apg). Two other starters are back in wing Sam Vinson and forward Trey Robinson.
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Although the losses of Chris Brandon and Trevon Faulkner hurts, NKU did add Cade Meyer, a transfer from Green Bay who has already proven he can play in the Horizon League. If Mercyhurst transfer guard Michael Bradley and former Marquette forward Keeyan Itejere can find a way to have an impact to prove the depth, it’ll be hard to find a better overall roster than the Norse.