The University of Rochester women and Washington University men are favored to capture UAA basketball titles in 2017-18, according to the coaches’ poll.
The Yellowjackets, who received six first-place votes to earn the nod as the preseason women’s favorite, return all but one player from last year’s squad that reached the second round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship. Senior forward Alexandra Leslie is a three-time All-American who averaged 21.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in 2016-17, shooting 56.5 percent from the floor.
The Maroons received two first-place votes and are the coaches’ choice to place second on the women’s side. Sophomore guard Miranda Burt earned UAA and D3hoops.com Central Region Rookie of the Year honors last season. Defending Association champion Washington University, led by first-year head coach Randi Henderson, is the preseason choice to place third this season. The Bears are led by D3hoops.com All-America junior forward Madeline Homoly.
Washington University received seven first-place votes in the men’s poll, seeking its second consecutive UAA title and 15th overall. Preseason All-America selection Andrew Sanders averaged a team-high 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season for the Bears, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship.
The Eagles are the men’s coaches’ choice to finish second again this season as they aim to make their sixth consecutive NCAA appearance. Senior Adam Gigax led the team in scoring a year ago and hit a program single-season record 80 three-pointers, while senior point guard Whitt Rapp finished third among all NCAA Division III players in assists per game.
The UAA determines its champion with a double round-robin in regular season play. Association play opens on Saturday, Jan. 6.
Women's Poll
1. Rochester
2. Chicago
3. Washington
4. NYU
5. CWRU
6. Carnegie Mellon
7. Emory
8. Brandeis
Men's Poll
1. Washington
2. Emory
3. Chicago
4. Rochester
5. NYU
6. CWRU
7. Carnegie Mellon
8. Brandeis