The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced its preseason coaches poll for men's basketball on Thursday. The Prairie Stars were picked third in the East Division of the conference.
 
UIS received 38 points in the poll and finished in the middle of the five-team division. Southern Indiana was the favorite in the East Division with 70 points, including 14 of the 15 first-place votes. The rest of the division was close with Indianapolis second with 40 points, McKendree coming in fourth with 37 points, and Lewis being fifth with 35 points.
 
In the Central Division, Missouri-St. Louis was the favorite, followed by Truman State, Lindenwood, Quincy, and Maryville. The West Division preseason favorite was Drury followed by Rockhurst, Southwest Baptist, William Jewell, and Missouri S&T.
 
UIS is coming off a 14-14 season in 2019-20, including three wins over nationally-ranked teams. The Prairie Stars return seven players who saw action last season, including double-figure scorers in Chase Robinson, Keymonta Johnson, Jesus Castillo, and Matt Wendling.
 
The Prairie Stars are scheduled to start the 2020-21 season on Friday, Nov. 27, with a 7 p.m. home game against Quincy. Fans will not be allowed to attend the contest, but they can watch online at www.glvcsn.com/uis.

Complete GLVC Preseason Poll