KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NABC rankings were released earlier this week for men's basketball. After starting 8-0, Cal State East Bay has climbed to No. 19 in the latest NCAA Division II poll - the highest for the program in the CCAA era.

The Pioneers have only appeared in the national top-25 in two separate CCAA seasons, including 2018-19 (as high as No. 22) and 2025-26, both of which were under the direction of head coach Bryan Rooney. 

The 2025-26 undefeated start for East Bay includes several highlights. The Pioneers have an outstanding defense, holding opponents to 59.1 points-per-game (leading the CCAA) and carry the largest average margin of victory in the conference (12.8 points). Opponents are averaging 18.8 turnovers a game. 

Offensive team play has been key to the successful start with 123 total assists. Individually, Jaayden Bush has a team-high 26 assists. Averaging 13.5 points-per-game is Tyree Campbell as the Pioneers' top scorer. Campbell also has been fantastic from beyond the arc with a .467 3-point percentage. Terence Haywood has command of the glass with a team-high 44 rebounds. 

Perhaps the most decorated performance on the court so far this season was on December 6 when the 86-46 win over San Francisco State saw 15 of the 17 Pioneers entering the game score at least two points and all 17 to appear in the game grab at least one rebound. 

To finish the 1985-86 season, the Pioneers were ranked No. 17 in the rankings with n overall record of 24-8 - a squad led by Pioneers Hall of Fame coach Gary Hulst.