RICHARDSON, Texas – The 2025-26 Lone Star Conference men's basketball season is upcoming quickly. The 17-team league released the preseason poll on Monday morning.

"With four all-conference players returning to our program, I think we are off to a good start," said head coach Daven Võ. "In less than a month, we will get to prove our worth."

Eastern New Mexico was chosen tied for sixth in the poll. In 2024-25, the Greyhounds were tied with two other programs for sixth place after finishing with a 13-9 record in conference play.

The preseason favorite is DBU with 850 total points and 42 of the 51 possible first place votes. The Patriots won the league last year and advanced to the national semifinals after winning the south central region.

Rounding out the top five are St. Mary's (724), Lubbock Christian (720), St. Edward's (669), and West Texas A&M (654). Tied with ENMU for sixth is Angelo State.

The LSC also recognized the preseason player of the year. The honor goes to Damani Claxton of St. Mary's who earned 17.1 points per game and 49 total steals in 2024-25. Claxton was a second team all-LSC honoree a year ago.

Each school recognized a player to watch. For ENMU, Jose Murillo found his name on the list. Murillo is in his fourth season donning the green and silver. He has played in 90 contests and started in 85 over his time in Portales. His junior season was his best yet as he averaged 13.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest. He also has 125 career blocks with 43 coming during the 2024-25 season.

In addition to Murillo, ENMU brings back Mo Austin, Treyvon Byrd, Alex Alfaro, Jaden Clarke, Austin Abrams, Cooper Jackson, and Brandon Kehres. Murillo, Byrd and Jackson earned all-LSC honors last year. Austin was recognized to the all-freshman team and now comes back for his sophomore season.

Eastern New Mexico begins their season-long campaign on November 14 with the south central region crossover in Portales. They will host Fort Lewis with first tip set for 7 p.m. at Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.