NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The reigning regular-season champions are firmly on everyone's radar entering the 2026-27 Metro Conference men's basketball season.
The conference on Wednesday released its Preseason Coaches' Poll and Preseason All-Metro Teams. Merrimack (148 points, three first-place votes) was picked to finish second behind the Fairfield Stangs (154 points, six first-place votes).
The Warriors also were well-represented on the Preseason All-Metro Teams with three players earning a nod. Denver Anglin, who transferred to Merrimack after three seasons at conference rival Iona, was recognized as a First-Team selection while senior forward Todd Brogna was a Second-Team selection and graduate transfer AJ Lesburt was named a Third-Team selection.
Anglin averaged 9.3 points per game during his junior season in 2025-26, and likely will be a key factor in the backcourt for the Warriors.
Brogna will serve as an impactful returner for the Warriors, who brought in nine newcomers for the upcoming season. He started every game he played and averaged 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds as a junior.
Lesburt transferred to Merrimack after he spent his undergraduate years at Brown University. As a senior, Lesburt averaged 10.3 points and served as a key sharpshooter for the Bears.
Joe Gallo and the Warriors will try to make good on their preseason rankings as they begin their season facing Appalachian State University in the Field of 68 Tournament on November 2.
