MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Southern States Athletics Conference coaches have predicted the Gold Rush will finish 7th in their inaugural season in the conference. 

In the Coaches' Preseason Poll for the 2026-27 season, SSAC coaches ranked Xavier just behind Brewton-Parker and just ahead of UT Southern. 

Loyola-New Orleans was picked to finish first, with William Carey, Faulkner, Dalton State, and Life rounding out the top 5.  

William Carey won last season's regular season title, while Dalton State claimed the tournament crown. Last season, while playing in the Red River Athletic Conference, XULA went 20-11, earned their way to the RRAC tournament semifinals, and earned a berth in the 2026 NAIA national tournament. 
 
The 2027 SSAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Chappy's Deli, will take place Feb. 23-27 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. 
 
2026-27 SSAC Men's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll
1. Loyola - 181 (6)
2. William Carey - 168 (5)
3. Faulkner - 165 (2)
4. Dalton State - 159 (1)
5. Life - 140
6. Brewton-Parker - 130
7. Xavier - 121
8. UT Southern - 94
9. Mobile - 90
10. Point - 64
11. Thomas - 62
12. Blue Mountain - 46
13. Abraham Baldwin - 33
14. Andrew - 17