UC Santa Barbara Ranked Third in Preseason Coaches Poll
The Gauchos men's basketball team prepares for the 2026-27 season with high expectations.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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The Big West Conference coaches have selected UC Santa Barbara to finish third in their preseason poll ahead of the 2026-27 season. Players Miro Little and CJ Shaw earned spots on the All-Big West Preseason Coaches' Team.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects confidence in the team's roster composition, which features a projected three-guard lineup led by standout Aidan Mahaney. The team is also preparing for a significant organizational move, as they are scheduled to join the West Coast Conference next season.
Aidan Mahaney enters the season coming off a campaign where he averaged 14.2 points and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. The team previously recorded a 13-5 mark with Miro Little on the floor versus a 5-9 record when he was absent.
The players
Aidan Mahaney
He is a key guard for the UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team who averaged 14.2 points per game last season.
Miro Little
He is a guard named to the All-Big West Preseason Coaches' Team and a critical component of the team's performance.
CJ Shaw
He is a guard recognized on the All-Big West Preseason Coaches' Team who is expected to feature in the starting rotation.
The details
UC Santa Barbara recently bolstered its roster by adding transfers Eric Dibami, Antonio Chol, and Declan Duru. Aidan Mahaney will also return for an additional year of athletic eligibility following recent adjustments to the NCAA 5-for-5 rule.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: The team opens its 2026-27 campaign against San Francisco State.
November 7, 2026: The squad hosts a home game against Oakland.
November 11, 2026: The team plays a home game against Nevada.
Season Trajectory
This season serves as the final transitional phase for UC Santa Barbara before they depart for the West Coast Conference. The preseason ranking establishes the team as a primary contender to navigate the current conference landscape before their upcoming league migration.
The projected three-guard rotation signals a fast-paced offensive approach that will rely heavily on the perimeter shooting efficiency of Mahaney, Little, and Shaw. Fans should note that the team's ability to maintain a winning record will hinge on the availability of Miro Little, given the significant performance drop observed during his absence last year.
The takeaway
The addition of new transfers and the return of experienced guards position the team as a significant force in the Big West. Maintaining depth will be essential as the program navigates its final season in the current conference.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming season, visit the Santa Barbara Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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