HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay men's basketball opens the 2026-27 season Saturday against Oklahoma Baptist, a team the Pioneers faced in last year's NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Pioneers are No. 8 in the NABC Division II Preseason Coaches Poll and were picked third in the CCAA preseason coaches poll, earning four first-place votes. The recognition follows a historic 2025-26 campaign in which East Bay finished 33-1, went undefeated in CCAA play, won the CCAA regular-season and tournament titles, captured the NCAA West Regional championship, and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986.

Six players return from last season, including senior guard Jaayden Bush, an All-CCAA Second Team selection. Transfers and first-year Pioneers join the returning group as head coach Bryan Rooney enters his ninth season at East Bay after earning national Coach of the Year honors.

East Bay opens its schedule in Lakeland, Florida, against Oklahoma Baptist on Nov. 7 and Central Missouri on Nov. 8. The Pioneers continue non-conference play with games against Dominican and Jessup in Rocklin, followed by matchups with Seattle Pacific and Saint Martin's in Turlock.

The Pioneers' home opener is set for Nov. 25 against Lincoln University at Pioneer Gymnasium. CCAA play begins at home Dec. 3 against Cal State San Marcos, followed by a Dec. 5 matchup with Cal State Monterey Bay. Fans can watch the Nov. 7 and 8 contests at this link.