The Eastern Washington University men's basketball team was selected to finish fifth in the Big Sky Conference by both the coaches and the media, as announced this morning (Oct. 26).
 
In the media poll, EWU earned 173 points, falling right behind Weber State who had 189 points and one first place vote. The Eagles edged Sacramento State who was selected sixth with 129 points. It was the same story in the coaches' poll, as EWU was picked to finish behind Montana State, Northern Colorado, Montana and Weber State, but ahead of Sacramento State, Portland State, Northern Arizona, Idaho, and Idaho State.
 
The Bobcats, who are the defending champions were picked to win the Big Sky title for a second consecutive year in both polls.
 
The Eagles are coached by David Riley, who begins his second year at the helm but the 12^th overall on staff. In 2021-22, the Eagles finished 18-16 overall record with an 11-9 mark in Big Sky play. It marked the eighth-straight winning season for Eastern Washington and the eighth-straight season with at least 10 conference victories. The Eagles won seven of their last eight regular season games.
 
The Eagles also advanced to the postseason for the eighth time in program history, participating in The Basketball Classic a week after appearing in the Big Sky quarterfinals where they lost to Northern Colorado by a point. Eastern Washington also had marquee wins over Washington State and an overtime victory to eventual Big Sky champions, Montana State.
 
Steele Venters and Linton Acliese III earned spots on the All-Big Sky Second Team and EWU boasted the Big Sky Freshman of the Year, Ethan Price. Four Eagles ranked in the top-20 all season in points per game in the Big Sky Conference and EWU also led the league in assists per game.
 
Eastern returns six players from last year's squad and welcome nine newcomers that include two true freshmen and seven transfers. The Eagles open the season on Nov. 7 at Santa Clara. The unofficial home opener is set for Nov. 21 against Washington State at the Spokane Arena, and EWU returns to Reese Court on Nov. 30 against Northwest University. Eastern will play each Big Sky school twice, at home and on the road, and play preseason tournaments in Hawai'i and Florida.
 
2022-23 Big Sky Media Poll
 

1. Montana State – 258 Points (19 First Place Votes)
2. Northern Colorado – 231 Points (6 First Place Votes)
3. Montana – 204 Points (1 First Place Vote)
4. Weber State – 189 Points (1 First Place Vote)
5. Eastern Washington – 173 Points
6. Sacramento State – 129 Points
7. Portland State – 118 Points
8. Northern Arizona – 78 Points
9. Idaho – 64 Points
10. Idaho State – 41 Points

 
2022-23 Coaches' Poll 
 

1. Montana State – 80 Points (8 First Place Votes)
2. Northern Colorado – 69 Points (1 First Place Vote)
3. Montana – 64 Points (1 First Place Vote)
4. Weber State – 55 Points
5. Eastern Washington – 53 Points
6. Sacramento State – 42 Points

T7. Portland State – 27 Points
T7. Northern Arizona – 27 Points

9. Idaho – 17 Points
10. Idaho State – 16 Points