Pacific Index

Building off of last season, new faces emerge in the spotlight

 As the 2025-26 season draws near for the Pacific University men’s basketball team, the program arrives at an important point: Over the last few seasons, the Boxers have built a bunch of momentum within the Northwest Conference (NWC). To put the team in a prime position to capitalize, a lot will rest on player development and being able to improve during key moments.

Last season marked one of the better years for the program in recent memory. The team had returned 18 players from the season prior. A season in which the Boxers clinched a playoff berth for the first time in over 20 years. This type of depth and experience matters a lot, especially for a team that historically has not been as successful.

In conference play, Pacific was able to show flashes of high-level execution and efficiency. In some stretches last year, they were averaging over 80 points a game, and their ability to pass the rock was a clear strength. However, as the year continued, efficiency in shooting the ball slumped. 

Thankfully, the Boxers still had key players to help make some noise, feeding the hope of reaching the playoffs. All-time assist leader Lucas Winkler and big playmaker Devin Fortune both made All-Conference selections. They were the face of the team and were prime examples of how senior depth could impact a team.

But that was last year—and with nearly the whole starting lineup graduated this year, the Boxers will rely on rising contributors and incoming talent if they hope to make the playoffs. Emerging players such as juniors Anthony Hrboka, Max Vacco, and Romyn Johnson will have a chance to make a name for themselves.

The team’s growth will definitely depend on the younger guys stepping into bigger roles and being able to deliver consistently. This season is full of opportunities for them, which they’ll be able to pave their way through as league games open up. 

With no previous All-Conference players returning, prepare for returners to step into bigger roles. The early non-conference schedule will be key to seeing how their identity develops and who the team starts to center around. 

The Boxers open their season at home with a non-conference game against the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 7 pm on November 7.