PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Defending Little East Conference (LEC) men’s basketball champion Keene State College was named the unanimous favorite to win the league in 2023-24, according to the results of the annual preseason coaches’ poll.
 
The Owls posted an overall record of 28-2 last season on their way to winning the LEC regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. They return four of their five starters from that squad in All-American’s Octavio Brito and Jeff Hunter, LEC All-Defensive selection Nate Siow, and Mason Jean Baptiste.
 
Western Connecticut State University edged out the University of Southern Maine for second-place in the preseason poll. The Wolves posted an overall record of 22-5 a year ago while finishing second in the final regular season standings and making a run to the LEC tournament final. They will look to reload after losing three starters from last year’s squad, including a pair of all-LEC players in Ryan Alkins and Kendall Robinson. The Huskies were 16-10 overall last season and finished third in the LEC at 10-6. They will once again be led by a pair of all-conference performers in Chance Dixon (Second Team) and Cody Hawes (First Team)
 
UMass Dartmouth, Eastern Connecticut State University and Plymouth State University round out the projected six-team LEC Championship Tournament field. The complete poll is as follows.
 
2023 LEC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Keene State - 64 (8)
2. Western Connecticut - 56
3. Southern Maine - 50 (1)
4. UMass Dartmouth - 37
5. Eastern Connecticut - 33
6. Plymouth State - 32
T7. UMass Boston - 22
T7. Rhode Island College - 22
9. VTSU Castleton - 8
 
(First Place Votes)
NOTE: Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own program.