KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University Eagles, led by new head coach Adam Lynch, return this season with a fully revamped roster behind the dynamic guard, Christian Watkins. The Eagles finished with an overall record of 12-17 (9-11) last season and their season concluded with a loss in the CCC tournament quarterfinals to Lewis & Clark State, 52-83. 

The full schedule for the Eagles is now set with the dates and opponents released for Cascade Collegiate Conference play. The non-conference matchups are slated for 3 consecutive weekends in November. These matchups feature Carroll (MT), Providence (MT), Whitworth, Washington State, George Fox and Pacific. 

Adam Lynch was promoted this offseason from Assistant Coach (2022-26) of the Eagles to the Head Coach back in April. Lynch was interviewed recently and asked for comment on his vision for the program as he takes the reins. Lynch responded saying that "culture and identity have been a huge focus for us in the preseason… we're basically an all new team… and at the heart of it... we are playing for the Lord." 

Lynch acknowledged that with only 4 returners and 12 incoming players, the program is set to provide "multilayered" opportunities for leaders to step up. The coaching staff mentioned that the deep bench brought in this offseason will fuel the fast-paced gameplay.

Coach Lynch cited Christian Watkins (G) as a great on-and-off-the-court example of a leader that the coaching staff is looking for this season. The All-League selection returns this season assuming the role of the Eagles' veteran floor general. Watkins led the CCC in steals (68) last season as well as placed second for Northwest in scoring (297).

The Eagles lost several starters and key off-the-bench playmakers this offseason. Namely, their seasoned shooting guard Trent Williams, leading scorer Logan Stempniak, Lucius Fox, Shane McGaughey-Fick, and the 4th in conference shot blocker, Andrew Iyamah. However, the Eagles reloaded lineup this season features several elite transfers as well as promising freshmen who eagerly await their opportunity. 

Coach Lynch noted that Darek Usitalo (F) has been a standout in preseason practices, and he projects him to be a major contributor this season for Northwest. 

On potential shifts in playstyle and tempo, Lynch commented "we're not super tall or big but we have a lot of IQ, skill, and depth… so we'll [be playing] faster than we've played in the past..." Additionally, he added that "it'll be an exciting brand of basketball to watch" for the Northwest community.  

The Eagles were 23rd in the NAIA nation last season for 3pt attempts per game and look to continue that high volume shooting beyond the arc with an up-tempo system this year. 

The Eagles' former All-League selection, Nash Wobrock has been promoted to assistant coach this offseason after joining the coaching staff last season. Addressing the new role, Wobrock said he'll be "bringing insight to the teams" they play and preparing "the guys for what they should expect in certain hostile environments in the conference". 

Northwest is also excited with the addition of Donavan Givens, a former contributor at Belhaven University who was hired on to be an assistant coach. Givens brings expertise and experience from the NAIA division as well as Division III. When asked about his role, he noted that his focus is to get to know the players' styles individually and "helping develop them into a better player." 

The Cascade Conference preseason polling placed the Eagles at 8th overall. The coaching staff is not fazed by the placement as they view this season as a "process." Coach Lynch emphasized that "this is not a rebuild" and that he never views a season in that manner. The Eagles set no ceiling for themselves as they are primed for a resurgent 2026-27 campaign.

Northwest begins their upcoming season on the road at the Taco Bell Shootout tournament hosted by College of Idaho. The Eagles will look to win their first opener facing off against Carroll College (Mont.) Friday, Nov. 6. The following day, Saturday, Nov 7, the Eagles go head-to-head with University of Providence (Mont.). 

Written & Reported by Benjamin Shoop, Media & Journalism Intern | Athletic Dept.