- LSC Release

CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M has been tabbed fifth in the 2025-26 Lone Star Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Poll announced on Monday afternoon during the league's Hoops Week.
 
Defending Regional Champion Dallas Baptist claimed 42 of the possible 51 first place votes for a total of 850 points to sit atop of the poll followed by St. Mary's (two first place, 724), Lubbock Christian (four first place, 720), St. Edward's (669) and West Texas A&M (two first place, 654) to round out the top five.
 
The preseason poll and preseason player of the year are voted on by LSC head coaches, sports information directors and media members.
 
Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico tied for sixth with 592 points followed by Midwestern State (558), UT Permian Basin (468), Texas A&M International (one first place, 350), Texas A&M-Kingsville (330), Cameron (301), Oklahoma Christian (266), UT Tyler (260), Western New Mexico (193), UT Dallas (188) and Sul Ross State (88).
 
St. Mary's Damani Claxton was tabbed the league's Preseason Player of the Year. The Bronx, New York native averaged 17.1 points, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season. He made 45 3-pointers and shot 80.4 percent from the free throw line. Claxton was named LSC Newcomer of the Year and earned first-team All-LSC honors.
 
Additionally, 17 players including WT's Brock Mishak were selected for the LSC Men's Basketball Preseason Players to Watch list. The student-athletes were nominated by their member institution.

Last season, WT made the NCAA National Tournament for a ninth-consecutive season where three freshmen made the LSC All-Freshman team. The Buffs also posted a 3.48 GPA in the classroom, tops in the Lone Star Conference for a second consecutive year. 

WT will open the 2025-26 season at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic, Oct. 31st at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mo. against Missouri Western State and conclude the tournament on Nov. 1st at 5 p.m. against Pittsburg State.