SILVER CITY, N.M. – Following a historic 2025-26 campaign, Western New Mexico University men's basketball enters the 2026-27 season ranked fifth in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Preseason Poll, while senior forward Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) earned recognition as one of the conference's Players to Watch.

The Mustangs received 657 points and four first-place votes in the preseason poll, placing them among the top five teams in the 17-team conference. DBU claimed the top spot with 841 points and 35 first-place votes, followed by Eastern New Mexico (751), Lubbock Christian (735) and St. Edward's (670).

Western New Mexico enters the new season with momentum following one of the program's most successful campaigns in recent history. During the 2025-26 season, the Mustangs recorded their best start since 1994, put together a six-game winning streak and earned a statement victory over No. 14 West Texas A&M. WNMU also made its first appearance in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Rankings, climbing to No. 4 in the region.

The Mustangs continued their historic run by earning a berth in the Lone Star Conference Tournament in Frisco, Texas, before advancing to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional in Dallas. The successful season also brought individual recognition, highlighted by head coach Mark Bunker earning NABC Division II Coach of the Year honors.

Leading the way into the 2026-27 campaign is Harris, a 6-foot-8 senior forward from Mesa, Arizona, who was selected as Western New Mexico's representative on the LSC Players to Watch list.

Harris was a key contributor to the Mustangs' success last season, starting all 30 games while averaging 12.4 points, a team-leading 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He finished the year with 372 points, 197 rebounds, 108 assists and 35 blocks while shooting 46.7% from the field. His consistent production on both ends of the floor earned him All-LSC First Team honors.

With Harris returning to the lineup, Western New Mexico will look to build on last season's accomplishments and remain a contender in a competitive Lone Star Conference.

Oklahoma Christian senior guard Miles Gibson was named the LSC Preseason Player of the Year.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, Western New Mexico will look to carry its momentum into another challenging conference schedule, with the goal of making another postseason run and continuing the program's upward trajectory.  
Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).