Storm tabbed second in A-R-C Preseason Coaches’ Poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Simpson men's basketball team has been picked to finish second following the release Thursday of the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Storm ended last year in the A-R-C Tournament Semifinals with a season record of 16-10 and league mark of 9-7. Simpson has finished no lower than fourth place over the last four seasons since Brad Bjorkgren took over as head coach.

Adam Reiter, Conor Riordan and Kyle Wagner all return after being named to the all-conference teams last season. Riordan enters his senior season after scoring 18.2 points per game en route to first team all-conference honors last year. Reiter will lead the post players after a break-out junior season with 13.6 points a contest. Wagner chipped in just over 14 points a game and led the A-R-C in 3-point percentage at 47.5.

As a team, Simpson was near the top in several statistical categories among conference opponents. The offense was second in 3-point percentage (40.4), free throw percentage (76.3) and third in scoring (83.9).

The Storm open up the season on Friday, Nov. 8 with an away game at Bethany Lutheran. The home opener is slated for Thursday, Nov. 14 as Faith Baptist visits Cowles Fieldhouse.

2019-20 American Rivers Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Nebraska Wesleyan (27-2, 15-1)
2. Simpson (16-10, 9-7)
3. Loras (23-7, 12-4)
4. Wartburg (17-9, 11-5)
5. Dubuque (14-13, 6-10)
6. Coe (14-12, 8-8)
7. Central (8-17, 5-11)
8. Buena Vista (11-14, 5-11)
9. Luther (7-17, 1-15)