Key Highlights
- UNCW men’s basketball aims for 2nd straight CAA Tournament championship.
- The top-seeded Seahawks open up Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament play in Washington, D.C. on Sunday against Campbell.
- Head coach Takayo Siddle earned conference Coach of the Year honors after UNCW’s impressive regular season.
- UNCW senior guard Madison Durr was named Sixth Man of the Year by league’s head coaches.
The Road to March Madness Continues for UNCW
UNC Wilmington (UNCW) men’s basketball is not just hoping, but actively preparing for a repeat performance in the CAA Tournament. The top-seeded Seahawks are looking at a grueling three-game series that could decide their fate and, potentially, their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
A Proven Coach Leading the Charge
Takayo Siddle, UNCW’s head coach, has been pivotal to this resurgence. He was named CAA Coach of the Year on Friday, a well-deserved accolade considering his team’s impressive 26-5 record and their 15-3 mark in conference play. Last March, under Siddle’s leadership, UNCW secured their first regular season CAA championship since 2017.
Key Players and Their Roles
Siddle’s team is stacked with talent. Redshirt junior Patrick Wessler was named to the All-CAA First Team, while senior Nolan Hodge made the Second Team. But it’s UNCW senior guard Madison Durr who caught everyone’s eye when she was awarded Sixth Man of the Year. Her contributions off the bench can be the difference in tight games.
Historical Triumphs and Challenges
Last year, UNCW’s journey through the CAA Tournament was nothing short of thrilling. They beat Hampton, Charleston, and Delaware to secure their 2025 title. Each victory came down to the wire, with scores decided by just four points or less.
In the championship game, a first-half run gave them an eight-point lead at halftime. However, they had to fend off a strong push from the Blue Hens using late free throws.
Donovan Newby was named MVP after averaging over 16 points per game in that tournament. Siddle’s words ring true: “It means everything to our city to bring a trophy back,” he said, highlighting the program’s pride and the significance of these tournaments.
A Steady March Through the Bracket
This year, UNCW faces Campbell as they tip off their quarterfinal game at 12 p.m. on Sunday from CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. The Seahawks have already outplayed the Fighting Camels twice this season, both by five points or less. With William & Mary and Charleston falling on opposite sides of the bracket, UNCW would avoid potential early matchups against these teams.
For Siddle’s squad to secure a spot in March Madness, they need three wins in three days.
History shows that anything can happen in basketball, but with a solid team and an experienced head coach like Siddle at the helm, anything is possible.
You might think this is new, but the road to glory isn’t always smooth. UNCW has shown resilience time and again, and now they’re one step closer to making history once more. Stay tuned as WECT brings full coverage from Washington, D.C., of UNC Wilmington’s run through the CAA Tournament.