GRINNELL, Iowa – The Midwest Conference released the 2022-23 Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll on Friday, with the Red Hawks picked as the preseason favorites. Following a 2021-22 campaign that saw the Red Hawks finish with a 13-3 MWC record, Ripon received all eligible first-place votes for a total of 64 points atop the poll. 
 
Last season, Ripon came away with the Midwest Conference crown, snapping a title drought that spanned more than two decades. From Feb. 1 to the Feb. 25 opener in the league tournament, the Red Hawks rattled of an eight-game win streak, the second-longest stretch of any team in the league. 
 
The Red Hawks open the 2022-23 season next Friday with a home game against St. Norbert, while Midwest Conference action opens in Jacksonville, Ill. on December 3. Ripon will have to wait until January to avenge last season's double overtime loss in the MWC Championship game, but the Red Hawks will get two shots against Cornell in 12 days once the calendar rolls over. 
 
Ripon will again be led by reigning Midwest Conference Coach of the Year Ryan Kane, who claims a career record of 151-78 and looks for his ninth consecutive season with at least 15 wins. On the floor, Ripon's experienced group will be anchored by All-Conference guard Ryan Steffes (13.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 43 steals) and Second-Team All-League center David DeValk (11.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 37 blocks). 
 
The 2023 MWC Men's Basketball Tournament will be held Friday, February 24, through Saturday, February 25. The top seed at the conclusion of the regular season will host as the top-
four league teams compete for the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. 
 
2022-23 MWC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Ripon College (8) – 64 points
2. Illinois College – 56 points
3. Cornell College – 47 points
4. Grinnell College (1) – 43 points
5. Lawrence University – 33 points
6. Lake Forest College – 32 points
7. Knox College – 19 points
T8. Beloit College – 15 points
T8. Monmouth College – 15 points
() – indicates first-place votes
*Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.