HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball squad was picked fifth on Wednesday in the annual Northwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Lutes (11-14, 5-11 NWC in 2025-2026) secured 31 points to claim the fifth spot, sitting three points shy of fourth ranked Lewis & Clark College while owning a two-point lead on Linfield University and Pacific University who tied for sixth with 29 points.

Willamette University and Whitworth University share the top spot, both securing 58 points. Willamette received four of the nine first place votes with the Pirates securing three first place endorsements. University of Puget Sound is third with 53 points and the remaining two first place nods.

Whitman College was picked eighth with 23 points followed by George Fox University in ninth with nine points.

Pacific Lutheran opens the 2026-2027 season on Friday, hosting Azusa Pacific University at 7:30 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium. The Lutes begin NWC play on Dec. 4, hosting Pacific University.