Anthony Monson is ready for his Kansas Wesleyan basketball team to take the next step.
Following back-to-back appearances in the second round of the NAIA Championships the Coyotes' goal entering the 2023-24 season is a trip to the Round of 16 in Kansas City, Missouri.
"Anytime you get to go to nationals for two straight years and get to the second round for two straight years and bring all these guys back it makes your job as a coach a lot easier," Monson said Thursday during the Kansas Conference's Virtual Media Day. "I'm looking forward to what they can do this year. We're hoping to take that next step, try to get to Kansas City but the (KCAC) is absolutely loaded."
The Coyotes were picked second in the conference coaches' and media preseason polls released Thursday night. Defending champion Oklahoma Wesleyan was first in both.
KWU received 152 points and one first-place vote in the coaches' poll while OKWU had 168 points and 12 first-place votes. The Coyotes had 160 points and two first-place votes in the media poll; OKWU 179 points and 11 first-place votes. Southwestern was third, conference newcomer Evangel fourth and Bethel fifth in both polls.
Monson has a veteran and talented team to work with this winter. All five starters and eight of the top 10 return from last year's squad that finished 26-5 overall and was second in the conference at 19-3. KWU is 49-16 over the last two seasons.
"Obviously, we've had two really good years with this group," he said. "Anytime you return returned five starters that's always a good thing after coming off some successful seasons."
The returning cast is led by forward Alex Littlejohn and point guard Jun Murdock. Littlejohn earned Third Team All-America honors last season after averaging 14.2 points and 11.1 rebounds. Murdock, the team's irrepressible floor leader, averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 assists and is a defensive stalwart.
Guard Easton Hunter and forwards Cory Kaplan and Thurbil Bile also return to the starting lineup.
"They know each other so well going into year three," Monson said. "When they get on the floor together it's like riding a bike. Everything moves really well and it's fun to watch them and play and grow."
The Coyotes' strength goes well beyond the starting five. Five others return who have played key roles at various times.
Guards Izaiah Hale, Caden Hale, and Malik Marshall return after seeing significant duty a year ago. Guard Gabe Mack was a starter two years ago but missed last season with a knee injury. Jake Potthoff, a 6-7 guard, returns after consecutive redshirt seasons.
Forwards Grant Dye (6-8) and Lance Rawls (6-7) saw spot duty during their freshmen seasons a year ago and are back as well.
Monson focused his recruiting on freshmen but did sign one junior college transfer who could have a major impact - Danair Dempsey, a 6-7 forward from Iowa Western Community College.
"He can shoot it all the way up to the 3-point line and can put it on the floor," Monson said. "Very good rebounder especially on the offensive end and is a really good complement to Thurbil and Alex."
Chase Ferguson, a 6-6 guard, is a freshman of note.
"He can really shoot it, has a natural feel for the game, moves extremely well and cuts extremely well," Monson said. "He's been a nice change of pace with some of the guys that we have."
The Coyotes open the season October 27 and 28 in the Bellevue Classic against Dickinson State (27th) and Bellevue (28th). Their first two home games are November 3 (Morningside) and November 4 (Briar Cliff) before contests against William Woods on November 10 and Peru State on November 11 in the Bethel Classic.
Conference play begins November 15 when Friends comes to Mabee Arena.
"Obviously, the KCAC will be the biggest challenge," Monson said. "We're looking forward to the competition and everything that goes with it."
KCAC PRESEASON POLLSCoaches
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan - 168 (12)
2. Kansas Wesleyan - 152 (1)
3. Southwestern 150 (1)
4. Evangel - 131
5. Bethel - 119
6. Ottawa - 97
7. Sterling - 95
8. McPherson - 84
9. York - 83
T10. Tabor - 48
T10. Saint Mary - 48
12. Friends - 37
13. Avila - 36
14. Bethany - 25
Media
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan - 179 (11)
2. Kansas Wesleyan - 160 (2)
3. Southwestern - 158
4. Evangel - 141
5. Bethel - 133
6. Sterling - 103
7. York - 82
8. Ottawa - 77
T9. Bethany - 70
T9. McPherson - 70
11. Friends - 57
12. Tabor - 54
13. Saint Mary - 46
14. Avila - 35