America East Official Release
NEWARK, NJ — The America East Conference released its 2026-27 Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll on Monday, with NJIT selected to finish fourth in the conference. The conference also announced sophomore
David Bolden was named to Preseason All-Conference Team.
The Highlanders enter the 2026-27 season following a remarkable season in year three of the Billmeier Era. Ten conference wins marked the highest win total in program history, passing their win total of nine as a member of the Great West in 2010-11. The six-game winning streak tied the Highlanders' longest winning streak in their D-I era, accomplished first in 2011 and matched in 2015. The Highlanders also clinched a top-4 seed and hosted an America East quarterfinal game for the first time since joining the conference in 2020. Finally, 16 wins on the season is the most overall wins since the 2018-19 season.
NJIT was selected to finish fourth in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the highest preseason selection for the Highlanders since joining the conference back in 2020.
Following a standout freshman campaign, Bolden was named to the America East Preseason All-Conference Team after earning America East Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team honors last season. The sophomore guard was one of two Highlanders to start all 33 games, averaging 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and a conference-leading 1.9 steals per game. He ranked third in the America East with 70 three-pointers and recorded four or more triples in six games, while earning America East Rookie of the Week honors four times. Bolden scored a career-high 23 points against FDU (Nov. 15) and helped lead NJIT to the No. 3 seed in the America East Championship, advancing to the conference semifinals.
Bolden becomes the second Highlander to be named to the America East Preseason All-Conference Team, joining Zach Cooks, who earned the honor ahead of NJIT's inaugural season in the conference in 2020-21.
2026-27 Preseason Poll
| 1. Vermont |
62 (7) |
| 2. UMBC |
46 (1) |
| 3. Binghamton |
45 (1) |
| 4. NJIT |
38 |
| 5. Bryant |
36 |
| 6. UAlbany |
34 |
| 7. UMass Lowell |
31 |
| 8. Maine |
19 |
| 9. New Hampshire |
13 |
Men's Basketball Season Tickets
Highlander fans can join in on the action by purchasing Men's Basketball Season Tickets for the 2026-27 season. Secure your seats today at
NJITtix.com to watch the Highlanders all season long. Season Tickets start at just $150. Please call 973-596-5555 or email tickets@njit.edu for additional information or any questions regarding tickets.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on all things NJIT Men's Basketball throughout the season by following @NJITHoops on X/Twitter and Instagram.
