A Historic Run for Washburn Basketball
The Washburn University men’s basketball team has had a season for the record books. Under the leadership of head coach Brett Ballard, the Ichabods have stormed their way into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with a remarkable 29-3 overall record. Their dominance at Lee Arena (16-0 home record) has made them a force to be reckoned with, and now they stand on the precipice of something truly special—a national championship run.
A Tough Start, But a Defining Season
The season began with a daunting challenge: a preseason exhibition against NCAA Division I powerhouse Kansas. While the Ichabods fell short (84-53), the game served as a crucial litmus test. Washburn took their lumps, learned from the experience, and transformed into a juggernaut in Division II.
From that moment, the Ichabods went on a tear, averaging 86.9 points per game with a +20.8 scoring margin over opponents. Their offensive efficiency was elite, shooting 51.0% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they were just as imposing, allowing only 66.1 points per game.
The Stars Align: Key Players Fuel the Championship Chase
Every great team has its leaders, and this Washburn squad is no exception.
- Michael Keegan (Senior, Forward) – The heart and soul of the team, Keegan’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes him indispensable.
- Jacob Hanna (Junior, Guard) – A floor general with an unmatched ability to control the tempo and make clutch plays.
- Brayden Shorter (Junior, Guard) – Coming off a 21-point performance in the NCAA Central Regional final, Shorter is proving he’s ready for the biggest stage.
- Andrew Orr (Forward) & Jack Bachelor (Guard) – Their offensive production has been vital, particularly in high-stakes moments.
Elite Eight Bound: Washburn Dominates in the Central Regional
Washburn’s road to the Elite Eight was paved with dominant performances, capped by a 93-65 dismantling of No. 17 Minnesota State-Moorhead in the Central Regional Championship. The Ichabods left no doubt about their legitimacy as contenders.
With Shorter (21 points), Hanna (19 points), Orr (17 points), and Bachelor (16 points) leading the charge, Washburn’s depth and firepower were on full display. The win punched their ticket to the Elite Eight for the first time in over a decade, setting up a must-watch showdown.
Next Challenge: A Clash with Lenoir-Rhyne
Washburn now sets its sights on Lenoir-Rhyne University in the Elite Eight at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs, adding to the intrigue.
Lenoir-Rhyne (29-5) enters the matchup riding high after a 76-74 overtime thriller against UNC Pembroke. Their 7-foot-2 center, Conrad Luczynski, is a defensive force and was named the Southeast Regional MVP. Washburn will need to find a way to neutralize his presence inside.
The Final Home Stand & Lee Arena’s Farewell
This season carries extra weight, as it marks the final games in Lee Arena before major renovations. Washburn’s perfect home record (16-0) made this a fitting farewell to the current era of Ichabod basketball. The upgrades aim to enhance the program’s facilities, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
Can Washburn Capture Glory?
With one of the most complete teams in Division II basketball, Washburn is knocking on the door of history. Their blend of experience, elite coaching, and relentless team chemistry makes them a legitimate title contender.
As they prepare to face Lenoir-Rhyne, the Ichabods aren’t just playing for a championship—they’re playing to cement their legacy in Washburn history.
