The Ottawa University men's basketball team opens its 2026-27 season against Hesston College. OU returns Honorable Mention All-KCAC performer Micah Willis and looks to improve upon last season's 10-18 overall record and 6-16 mark in KCAC play. The Braves were selected to finish ninth in the KCAC Coaches' Poll. 

Ottawa Braves Season Preview: Ottawa averaged 76.4 points per game last season while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 33.5 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 74.9 percent from the free throw line. The Braves averaged 35.1 rebounds, 11.9 assists, and 6.6 steals per game. Ottawa scored at least 80 points in 11 games during the 2025-26 season.

Willis returns to lead the Braves after earning Honorable Mention All-KCAC recognition during the 2025-26 season. He appeared in 27 games, making 26 starts. Willis averaged 12.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Willis shot 44.6 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from behind the 3-point arc. He connected on a team-high 61 3-pointers in 152 attempts. Willis finished with 348 points, 105 rebounds, 23 assists, 22 steals, and six blocked shots. In 21 KCAC contests, Willis averaged 13.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 39.8 percent from 3-point range.

Scouting Hesston College: Hesston enters the matchup with a 1-1 overall record after splitting its first two games of the 2026-27 season. The Larks opened the season with an 83-56 loss to Midland University on October 22. Hesston bounced back with an 87-74 victory over Randall University on October 24. The Larks average 71.5 points per game while allowing 78.5 points per contest. Hesston shoots 43.4 percent from the field, 28.9 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 60.7 percent from the free throw line. The Larks average 41 rebounds, 12 assists, 7.5 steals, and three blocks per game. Hesston averages 16.5 turnovers per contest.

Hesston Players to Watch: Trent Thompson leads Hesston in scoring with 23 points per game. Averages a double-double with 11 rebounds per contest. Shooting 60.7 percent from the field. Has scored 46 points and grabbed 22 rebounds through two games. Averages 3.5 assists and two steals per game. Brennon Dodge is second on the team in scoring at 17 points per game. He averages five rebounds, 1.5 assists, and two steals. Has scored 34 points through two games. Has converted 14 free throws in 22 attempts. Jarren Cargil is averaging 9.5 points and five rebounds per game. Shooting 50 percent from the field and from behind the 3-point line. Has made six of seven free throw attempts. Daniel Towels is averaging seven points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Shooting 63.6 percent from the field. Leads Hesston with two blocked shots through two games.

Series History – Ottawa vs. Hesston | Ottawa leads the all-time series, 1-0. | First meeting in Wilson Field House
- First Meeting: October 23, 2025
- Last Meeting: October 23, 2025
- Last Result: Ottawa defeated Hesston 80-60.
- Ottawa's Record at Hesston: 1-0
- Current Streak: Ottawa has won one straight.
- The Braves won the inaugural meeting by 20 points.
- Ottawa will look to remain undefeated against Hesston and extend its series advantage to 2-0.

Hesston's Transition to the NAIA: Hesston College transitioned from a two-year junior college to a four-year institution competing in the NAIA beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. Before the transition, Hesston competed at the junior college level. The 2026-27 season marks the Larks' second year as a four-year NAIA institution.

Braves Quick Hits
- Ottawa begins its 2026-27 season against Hesston College.
- The Braves are looking for their first victory of the new campaign.
- Ottawa returns Honorable Mention All-KCAC performer Micah Willis.
- Willis connected on 61 3-pointers during the 2025-26 season.
- The Braves averaged 76.4 points per game last season.
- Ottawa shot 74.9 percent from the free throw line in 2025-26.
- The Braves lead the all-time series with Hesston, 1-0.
- Ottawa defeated Hesston 80-60 in the teams' first meeting on October 23, 2025.
- Hesston enters the contest with a 1-1 overall record.
- The Larks are coming off an 87-74 victory over Randall.
- Hesston's Trent Thompson is averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game.