LINCOLN, Neb. — With a blend of experience and fresh faces, the Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team looks to build on last season's success and remain a force in the American Rivers Conference. After posting a 20-7 record and reaching the A-R-C Championship game, the Prairie Wolves have their sights set on returning to the national stage.

Head coach Dale Wellman, entering his 12th season at the helm, continues to elevate the standard for Prairie Wolves basketball. A national champion in 2018 and five-time A-R-C regular season champion, Wellman will lead a retooled squad ready to prove it belongs among the nation's best.

A Year Ago

2024-25 Record: 20-7 overall, 12-4 A-R-C
Result: A-R-C Tournament Runner-Up; narrowly missed NCAA Tournament berth

Last season, Nebraska Wesleyan pieced together another 20-win campaign built on pace, spacing, and balance. The Prairie Wolves were among the conference's most efficient offensive teams, shooting 43.2% from the field and ranking near the top of the A-R-C in assists per game.

Despite a run to the conference title game, NWU fell just short of a return to the NCAA Tournament, finishing as one of the first teams left out of the national field. The loss to Central in the championship stung, and that feeling has fueled this offseason's preparation.

The Prairie Wolves graduated several key contributors, including All-Conference standouts Carter Glenn, Jack Groeteke, and Conner Brown. Yet, with a deep returning core and several impact newcomers, Wellman believes this group has the potential to write its own story. 

Nebraska Wesleyan enters the 2025-26 campaign ranked second in the A-R-C Preseason Poll, trailing only Dubuque, and aims to once again compete for both a conference title and an NCAA berth.

Returning Starters:
• Seth Newton – Forward | Started all 27 games last season, averaging 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds. One of NWU's most reliable two-way players, known for his consistency and IQ.
• Christian Winn – Guard | Averaged 8.2 points and hit 32 threes last season. A composed ball handler who will anchor the backcourt.

Returning Contributors:
Nick Howard, Jared Townsley, Amun-Ra Collins, Devin Holmon, Kason Simpson, and Owen Alleman all bring valuable experience. After missing last season, Vinni Veikalas returns healthy and could be a difference-maker with his combination of size and scoring ability.

Newcomers:
The Prairie Wolves add a promising mix of transfers and freshmen. Neal Mosser and Payson Gillespie bring proven shooting ability from the perimeter, while the freshman class adds athleticism and energy to the rotation.

The program also welcomes two new assistant coaches,  Blake Bonin and Patrick Monahan, both of whom bring fresh ideas and a competitive edge to Wellman's staff.

Key Dates

Season Opener: Nov. 9 – at Wisconsin-Platteville (2:00 p.m.)
Home Opener: Nov. 28 – vs. University of Dallas
A-R-C Opener: Dec. 3 – vs. Central

Wellman designed the schedule to challenge his team early, starting the year on the road against a nationally ranked Wisconsin-Platteville squad.