The NCCAA released the pre-season coaches poll today and put the Tigers at #1.  The only other Midwest Regional Team in the top ten is Northland International University at #10.

It was a mixed bag of emotions for Head Coach Gary Bailey, “It is a really great feeling to think that your peers see you as the team to beat, but it just enlarges that target on your back.  We play a very difficult schedule this year so I know we will be tested early and often and I hope we are ready by tournament time no matter where we are in the rankings.  The trip to Kentucky Christian will be a good early test in the NCCAA with KCU, Valley Forge and Wesley College.”

Grace opened the season with a 94-44 win over Great Lakes Christian College.  This Friday they travel to NAIA II Davenport University for their opening tournament.  Grace will take on The University of St. Francis (NAIA II).  NAIA #20 ranked Davenport University will take on Kuyper College.

2009-10 NCCAA DIVISION II MEN’S BASKETBALL

                  (coaches poll)