Northern Arizona Men’s Basketball: Season Preview and Expectations

As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, anticipation builds around the matchup between Northern Arizona and Drake. This exciting event will take place at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during the Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon on November 6, 2025. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m. CT, with broadcasts available on the Field of 68’s YouTube and X channels.

Northern Arizona Men’s Basketball: Season Preview and Expectations

Drake’s New Direction

The Bulldogs are under the leadership of new head coach Eric Henderson, who was appointed on March 28, 2025. Henderson previously coached South Dakota State, achieving an impressive 129-60 record and leading the Jackrabbits to two NCAA Tournaments.

For the upcoming season, Drake’s roster will have a fresh look, featuring 11 newcomers, including seven transfers and four freshmen. Only two players from the prior season will return. This significant turnover means the Bulldogs return less than one percent of their scoring, rebounding, assists, and steal statistics from last year.

Key Players for Drake

• Andrew Alia: Redshirt junior
• Eli Shetlar: Redshirt sophomore
• Transfers Include: Braden Appelhans, Isaiah Carr, Wilguens Jr. Exacte, Okku Federiko, Owen Larson, Jalen Quinn, Jaehshon Thomas.
• Freshmen Include: Bryson Bahl, Heri Bukinga, Griffen Goodbary, LJ Rush.

Three Bulldogs made the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Players to Watch List: Carr, Quinn, and Thomas.

Northern Arizona’s Recent Performance

Northern Arizona is entering the season after a strong 2024-25, where they secured 18 wins—their highest tally since the 2014-15 season. The Lumberjacks made a postseason appearance in the College Basketball Invitational.

This season, the team will feature a revamped roster, with only three returning players. Northern Arizona has brought in seven transfers and four true freshmen to enhance team strength. They were predicted to finish 10th in the Big Sky Preseason Coaches and Media Polls.

Coaching and Historical Context

Head coach Shane Burcar is set to lead the Lumberjacks for his seventh season, currently holding a record of 75-111 at NAU. The historical context of this matchup includes their previous meeting on November 30, 2013, where Drake won decisively 76-56, led by Chris Caird’s 16 points and five rebounds.

Northern Arizona Returners

Looking Ahead

Following this matchup, Drake will host Robert Morris for their home opener on November 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. CT. This game will also celebrate the accomplishments of last season’s team.