OK-I will give it a shot! My prediction in order for the NWC Mens B-Ball Season.

            1. Whitworth University--Their Coach can flat out can recruit and is  excellent with game preparation. There won't be a Team in the NWC who is better conditioned or who will play a tougher pre-season schedule in preparation for the demanding NWC conference schedule.
            2. Linfield--with their talent and a good season last year I feel like they will be there at the end. They could be in the number one spot if they can prevent losing games they should win and have a successful trip to the Whits.  They also provide a very tough match-up for teams in the conference.
            3. UPS--I think with their system and Coach they will retool quicker than most think and be in the top 3 at the end.Their system breeds wins and is always tough for opponents to compete with for 40 minutes.
            4. LC--very talented and should place higher but haven't proved they can hold it together and survive down the stretch in the very tough NWC.. Tend to fade down the stretch of a season and really have struggled in closing games against more disciplined teams in the NWC.

  Wydown--I think if you look back the last 5 years you will find George Fox's NCAA  D3 credentials as impressive if not more than those you have listed. Plus Fox ran the table last year with an undefeated season and with a majority of their roster who were Freshman. Fox at the very least should have been a top 3 pre-season pick!
   My point in this matter is simple: Since the NWC conference has joined Division 3 there have been numerous years and numerous instances Teams in the NWC have not received the respect they deserve for competing at a high D3 level. IMO Pollsters look at the NWC like D1 pollsters look at the WAC or PAC 10. I wonder at times if they think there are even athletics that occur in the West. I would love for someone to prove me wrong or to assist me in changing this opinion.

I continue to be disappointed with the respect the NWC receives from D3 Hoops
Polls. I think George Fox has done enough the last few years they should be ranked higher in the pre-season poll.