The Hope College men's basketball team is projected to be in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title chase this season.

The Flying Dutchmen, led by head coach Greg Mitchell, finished second in the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll with 40 points. 

Hope received one first-place vote. The Flying Dutchmen were among four MIAA teams to receive at least one first-place vote.

Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Albion College topped the preseason poll with 43 points and four first-place votes.

Third-place Trine University recorded 38 points and two first-place votes.

Fourth-place Calvin University totaled 36 points and one first-place vote.

Hope returns senior forward Preston Granger, pictured, a 2020 All-MIAA First Team selection last season. The Flying Dutchmen went 12-14 last season, tying for fifth in the MIAA with a 5-9 league record.

MIAA play has begun. The final seven games of the schedule will determine the league champion.

The 2021 MIAA Tournament will include all eight teams this season and will begin Tuesday, March 2, with first-round play; semifinals will be held on Thursday, March 4, followed by the final on Saturday, March 6.  The winner will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship.