UNC Wilmington Named Preseason Favorite to Win CAA

The Seahawks enter the season as the conference favorite with key veteran leadership and a bolstered roster.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

UNC Wilmington Named Preseason Favorite to Win CAA

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The Coastal Athletic Association has officially named UNC Wilmington the preseason favorite to win the conference title. Preseason All-CAA First-Team honors went to CJ Luster II and 7-foot center Patrick Wessler.

Why it matters

The recognition reflects the team’s consistent performance and the successful integration of nine new players, including six transfers and three freshmen. Returning six players from the previous roster provides the stability needed for a conference title run.

Preseason player of the year Patrick Wessler averaged 13.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last season. The team enters the year following a 27-win campaign and a successful CAA Tournament championship in 2025.

The players

Takayo Siddle

He is the head coach of the UNC Wilmington men's basketball team who recently signed a five-year contract extension.

Patrick Wessler

The 7-foot center was named the preseason conference player of the year after averaging 13.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

CJ Luster II

The player earned preseason All-CAA First-Team honors and previously competed at Stony Brook during the 2024-25 season.

The details

Head coach Takayo Siddle has reinforced the team with six transfers and three freshmen, complementing the six returning players. Siddle recently secured a five-year contract extension that runs through 2031, signaling a long-term commitment to the program.

2025: The Seahawks won the CAA Tournament championship.
2026-10-20
Head coach Takayo Siddle held a media briefing.
2026-11-02
UNCW tips off the season against Mount Olive at Trask Coliseum.
2031: Takayo Siddle contract extension term expires.

Season Trajectory

The program's current preseason ranking follows the momentum established by their win in the 2025 CAA Tournament championship. This high expectation positions the Seahawks as the team to beat in a conference looking to challenge their recent dominance.

Fans in Wilmington can anticipate the season debut on November 2, when the Seahawks tip off against Mount Olive at Trask Coliseum. The roster depth, now featuring nine newcomers alongside six returners, provides the team flexibility for the upcoming conference schedule.

The takeaway

Maintaining stability with returning core players while integrating new transfers is key to sustaining a championship-caliber season. Following a successful 27-win campaign, the team now faces the pressure of being the target for every opponent in the CAA.