FARMINGTON, Utah – Idaho men's basketball was selected to finish 11th by the Big Sky coaches and media in the annual preseason polls.

Southern Utah took the top spot in the coaches poll, earning eight first-place votes. The Thunderbirds return most of their team from a year ago after finishing 12-2 in conference action.

The Vandals feature a young core of returners and freshman newcomers along with a bevy of upperclassmen that joined the squad through the transfer portal. Sophomore Gabe Quinnett returns as the lone starter from last year's team while freshmen Tanner Christensen and Ethan Kilgore look to build off of true freshman seasons where the two combined to play in 43 games for the Vandals. 

Head coach Zac Claus and his staff added three seniors, three juniors, and three freshmen for the upcoming season who will provide depth and experience to a young roster. 

Idaho will play 15 home games in the 2021-22 season, including a 10-game conference home schedule. The conference tournament will make its way back to Boise, Idaho from March 9-12 with all 11 teams playing for a chance at a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Vandals will get underway in their inaugural season at ICCU arena when Long Beach State makes the trip to Moscow on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.

Single-game tickets are now available for the upcoming 2021-22 men's basketball season. For more information, call the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or visit the ticketing page on GoVandals.com. 

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho men's basketball by following the team on Twitter, @VandalHoops.