UNC Wilmington Named Preseason Conference Favorite
The Seahawks enter the season as the Coastal Athletic Association's top-ranked team following a successful campaign.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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The Coastal Athletic Association has officially selected the UNC Wilmington men's basketball team as the preseason conference favorite. This recognition follows a year in which the team secured a regular season conference championship and notched 27 total victories.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects the team's strong foundation after winning 27 games last season and retaining several key contributors. The addition of nine new players alongside established talent positions the squad for another competitive run in the conference.
UNCW enters the season with a roster bolstered by three freshmen and six transfers, aiming to build on last season's 27-win campaign. Preseason player of the year Patrick Wessler leads the returners after averaging 13.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last year.
The players
Takayo Siddle
He is the head coach of the UNC Wilmington men's basketball team and led the squad to a CAA Tournament championship in 2025.
Patrick Wessler
He is a 7-foot player for UNCW who was named the preseason conference player of the year.
CJ Luster II
He is a new addition to the Seahawks who previously averaged nearly 17 points per game at Stony Brook.
The details
Head coach Takayo Siddle has retooled the roster by integrating new talent with six returning players, including preseason All-CAA First-Team honoree CJ Luster II. Luster arrives in Wilmington after posting nearly 17 points per game at Stony Brook during the 2024-25 season.
Timeline
The team was named the preseason conference favorite on October 29, 2026.
The Seahawks play Mount Olive at Trask Coliseum on November 2, 2026.
Head coach Takayo Siddle is under contract through 2031.
Season Trajectory
This preseason ranking solidifies UNCW's status as the team to beat within the Coastal Athletic Association this year. Building on a conference championship, the program is looking to sustain its competitive edge through a mix of veteran retention and roster expansion.
Fans can look for immediate contributions from the nine new players on the roster, including high-scoring transfer CJ Luster II. The team's depth will be tested early as they transition from preseason expectations to actual game performance at Trask Coliseum.
The takeaway
Maintaining a high level of play after a 27-win season requires balancing incoming transfers with returning leadership. The Seahawks demonstrate that strong roster management is essential for sustaining a top-tier standing in a competitive conference.
What happens next
The UNC Wilmington men's basketball team will begin their competitive schedule with a game against Mount Olive on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox Wilmington.
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