Catawba Men's Basketball Voted Third in SAC Preseason Poll
The South Atlantic Conference coaches ranked the Catawba College Indians third following a successful previous season.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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Catawba College men's basketball received 103 points and one first-place vote in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) preseason coaches' poll. The team enters the new season following a 2025-26 campaign where they secured a 23-9 overall record.
Why it matters
The poll reflects high expectations for the team as they look to build upon their 16-6 conference performance from last year. With a blend of returning talent and newcomers, the program remains a contender within the conference.
The Catawba College men's basketball team earned 103 points in the poll, finishing in the third position. Last season, the team maintained a 23-9 overall record and a 16-6 conference standing.
The players
Catawba College
This is a private liberal arts college located in Salisbury, North Carolina, that competes in NCAA Division II athletics.
Carson Daniel
He is a student-athlete on the men's basketball team who contributed 7.6 points per game during the previous season.
Chase Daniel
He is a student-athlete on the men's basketball team known for his defensive versatility and playmaking abilities.
The details
The roster features eight returning student-athletes supported by nine newcomers joining the squad. Returning leaders include Carson Daniel, who averaged 7.6 points and 4.8 assists last season, and Chase Daniel, who recorded 7.4 points and 4.2 assists per game.
Timeline
The team achieved a 23-9 record during the 2025-26 season.
Catawba received national recognition in the NABC Coaches Poll on January 13, 2026.
The SAC preseason coaches' poll was released on October 24, 2026.
The 2026-27 season begins against Virginia Union on November 9, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This preseason ranking confirms Catawba's status as a top contender within the South Atlantic Conference. The team's performance relative to the 2025-26 season conference record will dictate their positioning in the upcoming playoff picture.
With eight returners and nine newcomers, the rotation will be a primary focus for fans monitoring the team's chemistry during early non-conference games. Maintaining the Daniel brothers' combined average of 9.0 assists per game will be critical for the team's offensive efficiency.
The takeaway
The third-place ranking indicates that coaches expect Catawba to remain highly competitive in the South Atlantic Conference. Fans should pay close attention to how the nine new roster additions integrate into the system during the opening non-conference matches.
What happens next
The team will open their 2026-27 campaign with a home game against Virginia Union on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local programs, visit the Salisbury Basketball section.
More information
For team updates and schedules, see the Catawba athletics team information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Albany Democrat-Herald.
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