MidAmerica is beginning their 1st year of basketball in the NAIA Division I after a monumental run in the NAIA Division II. In the 17 years the Pioneers were in NAIA II, they made 13 trips to the tournament including Final Four berths in 2001, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Included in that run was the National Championship year of 2006-07. Last year MNU finished the season 31-5, won the HAAC, and finished in the Final Four once again.

The Pioneers will have to replace 3-time All American point guard Adam Hepker in order to defend their conference title. MNU has 10 players returning that have varsity experience. At the top of the list is Senior First Team All-American Danny Hawkins. Danny was also All Tournament at the National Tournament for the second straight year. MidAmerica also returns 6 other seniors for the 2008-09 campaign: Cal Kiburz, a great inside/outside player, who is returning from his second ACL surgery and looks as strong as ever. Austin Boots, who started all last year at the 2 spot has had a great summer and is a terrific leader. Brady Small started several games last year and will be a great back up at the inside position. Jonathan Knipker is returning for his senior year after an injury filled junior season. Bryce Karr will be looking for minutes at the guard spot as well. Dutch Thomas is the most improved player in the program and will be a great leader for the Pioneers. MidAmerica also returns 3 juniors who saw significant minutes. Brenton Bell started all year at a guard position. Vince Thompkins was the back up point guard and is looking to replace Adam Hepker there. Ben Swinger missed 17 games last year, but will probably start at the other forward position. The final returnee is Andrew Crotty who may be the best rebounder in the league.

The Pioneers have also brought in 3 freshmen. Barry Robinson is a lightning fast 6-foot guard and is a terrific scorer. Ian Mathews is a 6'7 post player who has made great strides already this summer. Jacob Sipple is a 6'4 guard who will remind the Pioneer faithful of another red head named Jacob Nellor.

The 2008-09 MNU Pioneers are looking forward to the jump to NAIA Division I and have worked hard again this past summer and fall to become the kind of team who can compete at that level. The Pioneers will run, defend and share the ball like the Pioneers who have preceded them and Pioneer basketball will be as exciting as ever.