Royals Voted to Finish 10th in Preseason Poll

October 19, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tn.- The Royals have been voted to finish 10th in the 2023-24 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Men's Basketball season, according to the AAC Coaches' Preseason Poll released on Friday.

The men's basketball coaches of the AAC voted on the poll.

Union collected 12 first-place votes and 168 voting points to claim the top spot. The Bulldogs won the 2022-23 regular-season crown with a 24-0 league record.

AAC newcomer Pikeville is picked to finish second with 151 points. The Bears also received a first-place vote. Pikeville placed fourth in the Mid-South Conference last season with a 13-9 conference record.

Columbia International, who won the 2023 AAC Tournament, is third in the poll with 127 points, while Reinhardt (126 points) and Montreat (114 points) round out the top five.

The top 10 teams in the conference will advance to the 2024 AAC Tournament, which is set for Feb. 28-March 2.

The Royals will look to push for a postseason appearance and make waves in the AAC this season.

The 2023-24 AAC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
Team - Total Points (1st-Place Votes)

1. Union - 168 (12)

2. Pikeville - 151 (1)

3. Columbia International - 127

4. Reinhardt - 126

5. Montreat - 114

6. Bryan - 108

7. Tennessee Wesleyan - 82

8. Milligan - 69

9. Truett McConnell - 68

10. Johnson - 64

11. Bluefield - 55

12. Kentucky Christian - 32

13. St. Andrews - 19