BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The FDU men's basketball team was picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll released on Monday afternoon by the league office. The Burgundy and Blue open up their 2025-26 campaign at no. 16 Iowa State a week from today.

Jack Castleberry, entering his third season as FDU's head coach, wields a completely revamped roster with 12 fresh faces in Hackensack. The Knights' new pieces bring in a combined 217 games of Division I experience, with 110 additional games played at the Division II level. Projected backcourt mates Joey Niesman and Noah Melson each have 55 career NCAA contests under their belt.

The Knights begin their NEC Campaign on January 2 at Mercyhurst after a challenging non-conference slate, which includes games at Iowa State, Texas, Minnesota, Providence and Boston College. FDU will host preseason NEC favorite LIU on January 17 at 7:30 p.m
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The Sharks were a unanimous selection at the top of the poll. Central Connecticut followed at two, while Stonehill and Mercyhurst rounded out the top four.

2025-26 NEC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll

                     1. LIU (unanimous)
                     2. CCSU
                     3. Stonehill
                     4. Mercyhurst
                     5. FDU
                     6. Chicago State
                     7. Saint Francis
                     8. Wagner
                     9. Le Moyne
                     10. New Haven

For the full NEC release, click here.

FDU and Iowa State tipoff from Hilton Coliseum at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ next Monday, November 3.