Men's Basketball

2026-27 OVC Men's Basketball Preseason Players to Watch


• Women's Basketball Players to Watch

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, OVC men's basketball head coaches selected players for the Preseason Players to Watch List.  Each team could select two players to represent their team.

In addition, returning All-OVC players from the 2025-26 season were separately recognized. The lone OVC men's basketball returning all-conference selection was SIUE senior guard Tyler King.

The 2026-27 Preseason Predicted Order of Finish will be released on Thursday, ahead of Friday's OVC Basketball Media Day presented by Centerpoint Energy which will be held in Evansville, Indiana.


Returning All-OVC Players
Tyler King, G, Senior (SIUE)

Players to Watch
Each team was able to select two “Players to Watch: to represent its team.

Eastern Illinois
Markus Blackwell, G, Sophomore
Jaden Miller, G, Senior

Lindenwood
Xavier Spencer, G, Junior
Kellen Robinson, G, Sophomore

Morehead State
Chase Dawson, G, Junior
Vince Dawson III, G, Sophomore

Southeast Missouri
Marqueas Bell, G, Senior
Landren Blocker, G, Junior

SIUE
Darrion Baker, F, Senior
Jordan Pickett, G, Senior

Southern Indiana
Kaden Brown, G, Senior
Ari Gooch, G, Junior

Tennessee State
Christian Alston, G, Junior
Aaron Bradshaw, F, Senior

UT Martin
Davi Remagen, G, Sophomore
Kaan Onat, G, Freshman

Western Illinois
Danny Stephens, F, Sophomore
Jack Riley, F/C, Senior