GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- According to the RMAC preseason poll, the Colorado Mesa men's basketball team is expected to finish third in the conference.

Of course, Mavs head coach Jim Heaps says his team isn't playing to win third-best in the RMAC, they're playing to win it.

CMU returns nine players to the court this season from last year, however one important member of the starting five last season will be out with injury this season. Senior Chandler Burgon will miss the year due to rotater cuff surgery.

His brother, Colton, expects a lot of playing time as do three other members of last year's squad that started all 29 games: Mike Melillo, Jeff Hart, Kevin Screen.

Colton Burgon was the only member of the Mavs selected to the preseason All-RMAC team.

The Mavericks begin the winter season on Friday at the Dixie State College Classic in Utah.