LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama Men's Basketball team is ranked No. 10 nationally in the NABC Preseason Coaches Poll.
West Alabama enters the 2026-27 season ranked among the nation's top teams after putting together one of the best regular seasons in program history in 2025-26.
The Tigers finished last season with a 27-6 overall record and a 19-3 mark in Gulf South Conference play to claim the GSC Regular Season Championship. UWA advanced to the GSC Tournament Championship game before earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where the Tigers defeated West Florida, 58-53, in the first round.
West Alabama returns six players from last season's roster while welcoming nine newcomers. Among the key additions are Michael Cooper, Michael Nwoye, and Tyler Byrd who were named to the GSC Newcomers Watch List. Cooper joins the Tigers after transferring from Wagner, while Nwoye arrives following a stint at Cumberlands. Byrd comes to Livingston from Alabama State, where he averaged 10.3 points per game last season.
The Tigers also return Preseason All-GSC selection BJ Brown Jr., along with Caleb Parr, Jakobe Singleton, Amillion Buggs, Tristan Watson, and Braden Peters.
No. 10 West Alabama will open its 2026-27 campaign on Nov. 13 against Lane College in the GSC-SIAC Crossover. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. from Pruitt Hall.
