GREENVILLE, S.C. — Following a 2025-26 season that saw UNC Pembroke win the Conference Carolinas regular season title for the second-straight year, the Braves were picked atop the 2026-27 Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches poll released by the league on Thursday.
 
The Black & Gold picked up nine first-place votes and a total of 219 points in the poll. Chowan earned four first-place votes and 201 points, while Young Harris picked up the final three first-place votes and 197 points to slot in at third. Emmanuel tallied 172 points to take fourth, while North Greenville earned 158 points to round out the top five. 
 
Points were awarded on a 15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis, and coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams. 
  
The Black & Gold finished last season 21-8 overall with an 18-2 clip in Conference Carolinas play, and finished the year ranked fifth in Division II with a 9.6 rebound margin and sixth in the country with 19.5 free throws made per game.
 
The Braves will officially lift the lid on the 2026-27 season on November 10 as they hit the road to take on USC Beaufort for a 6 p.m. tip-off, before heading to Greenwood, S.C. on November 13 to battle Division II national champion runner-up Lander for a 7 p.m. tip. UNC Pembroke will make its home debut two days later on November 15 as they host USC Aiken for Family Night. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
 

Teams	Total (First Place Votes)
UNC Pembroke	219 (9)
Chowan	201 (4)
Young Harris	197 (3)
Emmanuel	172
North Greenville	158
Barton	150
Francis Marion	129
Mount Olive	115
Southern Wesleyan	103
Belmont Abbey	102
King	99
Converse	95
Ferrum	61
Lees-McRae	53
Shorter	51
Erskine	15