Baker University Picked to Finish First In 2024-25 Heart Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Preseason Poll

The Heart of America Athletic Conference announced its, 2024-25 Heart Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll on Thursday afternoon and Baker University was chosen to finish first this season, according to the 13 Heart head coaches.

Under 13th-year head coach Sean Dooley, the Wildcats hosted the Heart men's basketball conference tournament championship game a year ago and qualified for their second-straight NAIA National Tournament.

The Wildcats last won a Heart men's basketball regular season title in 1989, when they shared the title with Tarkio College (Mo.).

Peru State is the defending Heart Conference Tournament Champions and have played in two-straight Heart Conference Tournament Championship games. They were selected second in the Heart Coaches' Poll.

Baker earned 144 total votes and 12 first place votes in the poll, while Peru State earned one, first-place vote and 123 votes.

The conference will host its annual Heart Men's Basketball Media Day on Thursday, October 24. It will feature an interview with all 13 head coaches and a student-athlete from each squad. To view all 13 Media Day interviews, please click here.