INDIANA, Pa. – IUP men's basketball will enter the 2026-27 season picked to finish second in the PSAC West, as voted on by the conference's coaches.
The Crimson Hawks enter the new campaign looking to build on another deep postseason run after advancing to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region championship game last season. IUP was one of just two teams to hold a halftime lead against eventual national champion Gannon at that point in the season.
While the Crimson Hawks return several experienced pieces from last year's team, the roster will have a different look in 2026-27. IUP welcomes nine newcomers who will join a returning group headlined by two-time All-PSAC point guard Kymani Merraro.
Merraro returns as one of the most experienced pieces in the IUP backcourt. The 2025 PSAC Freshman of the Year started 26 games last season and averaged 29 minutes per contest. He averaged 11.8 points per game while handing out 108 assists.
His return gives the Crimson Hawks an experienced presence at point guard as IUP works its new additions into the rotation.
Ian Herring also returns after appearing in 31 games last season. Herring averaged 21 minutes per contest and shot 50% from the field, giving IUP another experienced option entering the new season.
Junior Bautista Rodriguez rounds out a key group of returners after starting 22 games last season. Rodriguez averaged 24 minutes per contest and shot 72% from the free-throw line.
The combination of Merraro, Herring and Rodriguez provides IUP with returning experience as the Crimson Hawks incorporate nine newcomers into the lineup and look to make another run at a PSAC championship.
IUP will get its first opportunity to put the new-look roster on the floor at home. The Crimson Hawks open the 2026-27 season Nov. 13 against Concord as part of the Hilton Garden Inn Tip-Off Classic before facing Point Park the following day.
The early portion of the schedule will lead into conference play, with IUP beginning its PSAC slate Dec. 4. The Crimson Hawks open conference action with a crossover weekend against Shippensburg and Bloomsburg.
With an experienced group of returners surrounded by a large collection of new faces, IUP enters the season looking to remain among the top programs in the PSAC West and position itself for another postseason run.
2026-27 PSAC Men's Basketball Preseason Polls (# of first place votes in parentheses)
EAST
1. West Chester (4)
2. East Stroudsburg (3)
3. Shepherd (1)
4. Millersville
5. Shippensburg
6. Bloomsburg
7. Kutztown
8. Mansfield
WEST
1. Gannon (8)
2. IUP
3. California (1)
4. Slippery Rock
5. Seton Hill
6. Pitt-Johnstown
7. Edinboro
8. Clarion
9. Lock Haven
