Cal Poly Men's Basketball Begins 2026-27 Season Practices

Last season, the Mustangs finished 10th nationally, averaging 10.8 three-pointers per game. They have 42 days of preparation for their season opener on Monday, Nov. 2, against Division II Cal State San Marcos, followed by a game against 2026 Final Four contender Arizona on Thursday, Nov. 5. Before these matchups, the Mustangs will host Division II Westmont for an exhibition on Friday, Oct. 23.

Cal Poly's roster remains largely intact, having lost only one player to the transfer portal over the past two years, marking the lowest such total among NCAA Division I programs. Mousa led the team last season, earning All-Big West first team honors and finishing 25th among NCAA Division I players in scoring with an average of 20.4 points per game. His total of 652 points ranks as the second highest in a single season in the program’s history, and he set a new record with 180 free throws.

Ward, who earned All-Big West honorable mention, averaged 14.5 points per game, scoring in double digits 25 times. He is Cal Poly’s second leading active scorer with 609 career points, averaging 11.9 points per game. Ward also ranked eighth in the conference with an average of 6.3 rebounds per game and was the only player to participate in all 33 games last season.

Other regular returning starters include senior Jake Davis, junior Guzman Vasilic, and sophomore Austin Goode. Cal Poly also retains contributions from sophomore Jess Esso Essis and seniors Jackson Mosley and Kieran Elliott, among others. Aaron Price, Jr. returns as Cal Poly's active appearances leader, while sophomore Jason Scott aims to make a stronger impact after limited play last season. Newcomer Anthony Moore, a transfer from Weber State, joins the roster alongside freshman Canon Wyatt, who is the only player without collegiate experience.