CCIW men’s basketball teams open season with standout performances
The 2025–26 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) men’s basketball season has started with several teams delivering strong performances, highlighted by ranked matchups and notable individual achievements.
Illinois Wesleyan University and Carthage began their seasons with wins against nationally recognized opponents. Other CCIW programs also faced ranked teams, showcasing the league’s depth. Early games have featured standout efforts such as double-doubles and high-scoring games that are shaping team statistics for the season.
North Park University’s Mike Vuckovic was named CCIW Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week after averaging 23.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in two starts. Vuckovic scored a career-high 38 points in an 82-77 win over Alma, shooting 58 percent from the field and making eight of nine free throws. He also contributed four assists, eight steals, and a block over two games.
Illinois Wesleyan sophomore forward Noah Cleveland earned D3hoops.com Team of the Week honors following a weekend where he averaged 16 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game during the Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational. Cleveland was named tournament MVP as IWU won both games to start its season at 2-0.
Illinois Wesleyan continued its strong opening by defeating #11 Chicago to improve to 3-0. Mason Funk joined Cleveland on the all-tournament team, while Josh Fridman added key perimeter scoring.
Carthage opened with two road victories over Saint Mary’s (Minn.) and Alma, supported by efficient offense and interior play. Ryan Johnson recorded a double-double against Alma with 22 points and 13 rebounds; Riley Brooks also posted a double-double in that game.
Augustana began its campaign with three straight wins, led by Jake Willems’ performance against Hamline (18 points, six steals) and Andre Klaver’s scoring off the bench at Bethel (20 points). The Vikings lead the conference in steals per game.
Elmhurst started its season undefeated through three games behind contributions from Dominic Trelenberg—who scored 26 points including six three-pointers against MSOE—and Aidyn Boone, who registered double-doubles in two contests.
Carroll finished its first two weeks at .500 (2-2), highlighted by Michael McNabb’s offensive output including a late layup to secure a win over Beloit and multiple high-scoring games.
Millikin remained unbeaten through four games behind Lane Thomann’s average of 22.5 points per game; Ian Winkler provided balanced scoring support while Nate Straughter contributed consistent backcourt production.
North Park moved to 2-1 after Vuckovic’s high-output scoring led them past Lake Forest and Alma before falling to #7 Wisconsin-La Crosse. Kolden Vanlandingham added rebounding strength inside for North Park.
North Central is still seeking its first win after close losses to Aurora and Wisconsin-Platteville but saw notable performances from Tyler Swierczek—who hit five three-pointers in one game—and Alejandro Diaz.
Wheaton started strong at 3-1 with high-paced offense anchored by Kyan VanderWoude’s career-best scoring efforts across multiple games; Soren Richardson guided Wheaton with a strong showing versus Lake Forest while Carson Grier posted a double-double against Hope.
As non-conference schedules continue, these early results provide insight into each program's balance and consistency heading into the rest of the season.