Men's Basketball Ranked No. 21 in D3hoops Preseason Poll

MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- The Maryville men's basketball team will open the 2025-26 season with national attention, earning the no. 21 spot in the D3hoops.com Preseason Coaches Poll. With a strong group of returning starters and a deep supporting cast, the Scots are aimed for another standout season.

With a veteran core, strong returning depth, and a highly competitive non-conference schedule ahead, the Scots are focused on building something special: not just earning headlines, but preparing for a deep postseason run. 

"Being in the Top 25 to start is a recognition of what this program aspires to," said Head Coach Raul Placeres, entering his 7th season. "But where we start doesn't define where we finish."

The national ranking is driven by the return of four core starters, all of whom played critical roles in last year's success: 

• Javi Rosell (G) - A dynamic floor general, Rosell averaged 5.4 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and he led the team with 115 assists (4.2/game), ranking second in the conference. Shooting 47.1% from the field and sitting at fourth on the team in rebounding, Rosell sets the tone on both ends of the floor. 
• Jackson Garner (G) - One of the team's top offensive threats, Garner posted 16.5 points per game, hitting 39.6% from the arc and 45.5% from the field, despite missing 11 games due to an injury. Beyond the box score, Garner's experience, toughness, and leadership are expected to center the Scots on their way through a victorious campaign. 
• Kyle Cloninger (G) - A versatile guard, Cloninger contributed 8.4 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field. Cloninger's ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions makes him a key piece in the lineup. 
• Chase Morgan (F) - A steady presence in the backcourt, Morgan averaged 16.6 points per game (third in the conference) and 7.0 rebounds per game, earning his spot as top rebounder on the team. Providing a tough perimeter defense, Morgan is expected to bring consistency and poise to every possession. 

The four returners are also joined by Kobe Franklin and R.J. Simmons. Returning after a strong season, Franklin averaged 3.6 points per game and 1.6 rebounds per game, anchoring the frontcourt with physicality and tenacity. Alongside Franklin, Simmons is expected to play a major role after redshirting last season due to an injury. In the 2023-24 campaign, Simmons brought energy and toughness, matching up against top scorers and finishing strong at the rim. Simmons averaged 11.1 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and he was the top shooter in the conference with a field goal percentage of 60.0%. Now fully healthy, Simmons is set to make an immediate impact this season. 

Behind them is a toughened group of returners who give tremendous depth and versatility: Jaylon Green, Jamal Ware, David Stone, Ryon Reed, and Collin Smith.

Maryville also picked up Matthew Schneider, a junior transfer from Missouri Western. Despite limited minutes, the forward shot 34.3% from the field and 75.0% from the line, which is just a preview of the type of work he is expected to put in for the Scots.

"You can have talent, but winning requires maturity and accountability," said Placeres. "That's where our focus has been from day one since getting back on campus."

The team's challenging non-conference schedule features seven opponents who made the NCAA Tournament last season, including three ranked in the Top 25: Illinois Wesleyan, Carthage, and Hampden-Sydney.

"Our non-conference tests will provide early benchmarks, particularly against nationally recognized teams expected to contend for NCAA bids," Placeres said. "We know the schedule's challenging, but that's what we want every year. If you're going to build something special, you play the best."