The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's basketball team was selected to finish third in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the preseason poll conducted by the Conference Office, Sports Information Directors, and head coaches.

The Warhawks are coming off their first regular season title since 2015, first out-right since 2012 during the 2025-26 season. The team enters it's fourth year under Head Coach Jarod Wichser as the enter the 2026-27 season. 

Two starters return for their senior season from the championship squad, with Collin Madson (Mukwonago, Wis./Mukwonago) and Brock Marino (Lake Villa, Ill./Lakes Community) headlining the returners. Madson was selected to the First Team All-Region team by both D3hoops.com and the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA). 

Madson was selected as a third team Preseason All-American by D3hoops in a release by the organization yesterday. 

Joining Madson in the backcourt is Kelton McEwen (Bartlett, Ill./St. Francis) and Isaiah Robinson (Racine, Wis./Park). McEwen, a long-range threat made 21 three's last season (39.6%). Robinson a defensive stand-out, recorded 24 steals a season ago to help the Warhawks rank second in the league with 8.62 steals per game in 2025-26. 

Marino and JR Lukenbill (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) will be a key returners in the frontcourt. A season ago Marino averaged 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Lukenbill appeared in 26 games, starting in 6 for the Warhawks.

UW-Stevens Point, ranked 8th-nationally by D3hoops, and #18 UW-La Crosse were selected ahead of the Warhawks. The Warhawks were receiving votes in the preseason poll by D3hoops.

The remaining order in the conference predictions feature: UW-Oshkosh (fourth); UW-Platteville (fifth); UW-Stout Polytechnic (sixth); UW-Eau Claire (seventh); and UW-River Falls (eighth).

In non-conference play the Warhawks will take on two teams ranked in the top 15 of the preseason. #13 Elmhurst University on November 18th on the road then #5 Gustavus Adolphus on November 28th in St. Peter, Minnesota.

The Warhawks begin the 2026-27 campaign on November 7th against Carroll University in the season opener. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 PM in Waukesha, Wisconsin.