RICHARDSON, Texas – The Angelo State University men's basketball team was picked to finish eighth in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll, announced by the league Monday afternoon, while senior forward Jhordan Ryan was named a Player to Watch.

The Rams received 499 points in voting conducted by the conference's head coaches, sports information directors and one media representative from each institution.

DBU, Eastern New Mexico, Lubbock Christian, St. Edward's, Western New Mexico, St. Mary's and West Texas A&M occupied the top seven spots in the preseason poll. Texas A&M-Kingsville and UT Tyler followed the Blue and Gold to round out the top 10.

Ryan headlines the ASU's preseason recognition after earning Third Team All-Lone Star Conference honors last season. The St. John's, Montserrat, native ranked ninth in the conference with 6.7 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign.

The Rams will get their first taste of competition Tuesday, Nov. 3, when they host Arlington Baptist in an exhibition game at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena.

Angelo State opens regular-season play Friday, Nov. 13, against Adams State in the South Central Regional Challenge in Alamosa, Colorado.