BALTIMORE, MD — On Sunday, October 4, Livingstone College traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for the 2026 CIAA Basketball Media Day. The Blue Bears were represented by Head Coaches Queen Smith and James Stinson, along with student-athletes Nielle Reaves and James Nipper.

During their time in Baltimore, the student-athletes participated in professional development sessions and took part in a photoshoot while the coaches attended meetings.

On Tuesday, the CIAA announced its 2026 Predicted Order of Finish and All-CIAA Preseason Teams, giving an early look at how the conference's teams and student-athletes are projected heading into the 2026-27 basketball season.

Lady Blue Bears
The Livingstone College women's basketball team was predicted to finish seventh in the CIAA. Senior standout Nielle Reaves was also selected to the All-CIAA Preseason Team.

2026 CIAA Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish

1. Winston-Salem State University
2. Fayetteville State University
3. Bowie State University
4. Virginia State University
5. Claflin University
6. Virginia Union University
7. Livingstone College
8. Johnson C. Smith University
9. Bluefield State University
10. Shaw University
11. Elizabeth City State University
12. Lincoln University (PA)

Blue Bears
On the men's side, the Livingstone College Blue Bears were predicted to finish 10th in the CIAA. James Nipper earned a spot on the All-CIAA Preseason Team.

2026 CIAA Men's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish

1. Fayetteville State University
2. Bluefield State University
3. Virginia State University
4. Claflin University
5. Virginia Union University
6. Winston-Salem State University
7. Johnson C. Smith University
8. Lincoln University (PA)
9. Bowie State University
10. Livingstone College
11. Shaw University
12. Elizabeth City State University

With both teams represented on the All-CIAA Preseason Teams, the Blue Bears enter the 2026-27 season ready to compete and make their mark in the CIAA.