Men’s basketball aims for success in first year under Noonan

DECATUR, IL – The Millikin men's basketball program returns with a new coaching staff for the 2026-27 campaign as the Big Blue look to start on the right foot with two games at Aurora University on Nov. 6 and 7. The team will tip off at 6 p.m. against the University of Dubuque on Friday, Nov. 6, before facing the Aurora Spartans on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.

Last season, Millikin finished three games above .500 at 14-11, with a 6-10 record in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW). The Big Blue were picked to finish sixth in the CCIW Preseason Poll, released in October.

Along with the games at Aurora University, Millikin's non-conference schedule features an exhibition game at the University of Illinois-Springfield, road contests at Washington University in St. Louis, Wabash College, and Illinois College, and a matchup against the MSOE Raiders in the Windy City Shootout at NOW Arena on Sunday, Nov. 22.

The Big Blue's home opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 28, against Webster University. Monmouth (IL) and Loras will also travel to Decatur throughout December. CCIW play is set to begin on Wednesday, Dec. 2, against the Wheaton Thunder with tipoff set for 7 p.m. at the Griswold Center.

Millikin welcomes back 13 players to the 2026-27 roster after losing six players following the 2025-26 season, including 2026 CCIW RESPECT award honoree Jacob Bullock.

Graduate forward Lane Thomann returns for his final season with the Big Blue after leading the team in points, rebounds, and minutes and earning a First Team ALL-CCIW selection last season. Thomann is joined by senior forward McGrady Noyes, and junior guard Ian Winkler, who are expected to contribute heavily this season.

Head Coach Tom Noonan enters his first season as head coach, his fifth overall with the team. Coach Noonan is joined by assistant coaches, Shea Cupples (first season), Andrew Kufrin (fourth season), and brother Mike Noonan (first season).

"Our guys are really connected and have embraced each other and our pillars, one of which being unity," said Head Coach Tom Noonan. "One of our main goals in the non-conference is to establish our identity on the court, determining what lineups work best for us and how we can use certain combinations to our advantage."

Millikin opens the season on Friday, Nov. 6, against the Dubuque Spartans at Thornton Gymnasium in Aurora, Illinois. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.