Washburn Ichabods Will Open 2026-27 Season in November

The Ichabods prepare to debut on Nov. 7 following a successful campaign and the return of their head coach.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Expressionist sports illustration of a basketball player driving for a layup, rendered in navy blue and white, capturing collegiate athletic motion. — The Washburn University basketball team, ranked No. 1 in the MIAA preseason poll, will open their 2026-2027 campaign on November 7. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Washburn University basketball team enters the 2026-2027 season ranked No. 1 in the MIAA preseason and coaches polls. Head coach Brett Ballard has returned to full duties after an August vehicle crash as the team aims to build on their previous record.

Why it matters

The program seeks redemption after a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament last year. The team is leveraging consistency and momentum from their dominant 31-2 season to push deeper into the postseason this time.

The Ichabods finished the 2025-2026 campaign with a 31-2 overall record, including an 18-1 mark in MIAA play. Key contributor Jack Bachelor returns after averaging 15.5 points per game last season.

The players

Brett Ballard

He is the head coach of the Washburn University basketball team.

Jack Bachelor

He is a two-time first-team all-MIAA selection and tournament MVP.

The details

Washburn players are using the memory of their first-round loss to Minnesota Duluth as motivation for the upcoming schedule. Head coach Brett Ballard has been cleared for all basketball activities following a vehicle crash in August.

August 2026: Head coach Brett Ballard was involved in a vehicle crash.
November 7, 2026: Washburn plays Point Loma in the season opener.

Season Trajectory

The Ichabods are looking to move past the 2025-2026 NCAA Tournament first-round loss to solidify their status as a national contender. A strong start in November will be essential for maintaining their current No. 1 ranking in the conference and securing a high-seed NCAA tournament berth.

The team opens against Point Loma on Nov. 7 to begin their quest to improve upon a 31-2 performance. With Jack Bachelor returning as a top scorer, the Ichabods provide a consistent offensive foundation for the upcoming year.

The takeaway

Maintaining performance levels after a highly successful season remains a significant challenge for collegiate basketball programs. Players and staff often use early-season non-conference games to refine rotations before entering the rigorous MIAA schedule.