Overview
The reigning CAA Tournament champions, UNC Wilmington enters the 2025–26 season fresh off its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017.
Head coach Takayo Siddle, now entering his sixth season, has built one of the most consistent programs in the mid-major landscape. His teams are defined by relentless tempo, disciplined execution, and unselfish basketball. With a career record of 106–47 (.693) and the 2022 CAA Coach of the Year award already on his résumé, Siddle has firmly established the Seahawks as perennial contenders.
Last season, UNCW finished 27–8 (14–4 CAA), leading the conference in points per game (79.2), field goal percentage (47.0%), and rebounding margin (+7.1). Those numbers perfectly reflect Siddle’s attack-minded philosophy and relentless emphasis on winning the possession battle.
Team Identity: Fast, Fearless & Fluid
Siddle’s Seahawks play one of the most entertaining styles in the country. Their offense is built around pace, paint touches, and offensive rebounding rather than relying solely on perimeter shooting.
UNCW ranked among the nation’s Top 25 in offensive efficiency and Top 20 in offensive rebounding rate, generating a constant stream of second-chance opportunities and high-percentage looks at the rim.
Rather than leaning on one dominant scorer, the Seahawks spread the floor and share the basketball exceptionally well, averaging 15.2 assists per game while committing just 10.4 turnovers per contest.
Defensively, they pressure the ball relentlessly, utilizing length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and force uncomfortable possessions. Expect plenty of switching and aggressive point-of-attack defense anchored by Christian May and Madison Durr.
Key Returners
- Noah Ross (Sr., 6’7″) — The Seahawks’ leading returning scorer (8.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG). A skilled stretch forward who rebounds well, spaces the floor, and brings toughness. Named to the 2025 CAA All-Tournament Team.
- Nolan Hodge (Sr., 6’7″) — Versatile scoring wing capable of attacking all three levels. Led UNCW with 18 points against Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament.
- Greedy Williams (Sr., 6’5″) — Emotional leader who impacts the game on both ends through physical defense, versatility, and veteran experience.
- Makoi Mabor Makoi (So., 6’11”) — Developing rim protector who provides length, rebounding, and interior depth.
New Faces to Know
- CJ Luster II (Sr., 6’3″) — The marquee transfer from Stony Brook after averaging 16.8 PPG while shooting 42% from three. A preseason First Team All-CAA selection and one of the conference’s premier scorers.
- Patrick Wessler (R-Jr., 7’0″) — Former Virginia Tech center and Charlotte native. A true seven-footer with a 250-pound frame who immediately changes UNCW’s interior presence.
- Jahnathan Lamothe (Jr., 6’4″) — Maryland transfer bringing defensive toughness and quality backcourt depth.
- Christian May (Sr., 6’5″) — Towson transfer known for physical perimeter defense and downhill attacking.
- Madison Durr (Sr., 6’5″) — Monmouth transfer who has reportedly been one of the most consistent performers throughout preseason workouts.
By the Numbers
| Category | Stat | Conference/National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 79.2 | 1st in CAA |
| Field Goal Percentage | 47.0% | 1st in CAA |
| Two-Point Percentage | 53.7% | Top 100 Nationally |
| Offensive Efficiency | 116.2 | Top 25 Nationally |
| Offensive Rebounding Rate | 34.4% | Top 20 Nationally |
| Free Throw Percentage | 75.0% | 3rd in CAA |
| Assists Per Game | 15.2 | Top 75 Nationally |
| Turnovers Per Game | 10.4 | Top 50 Nationally |
| Rebounding Margin | +7.1 | 2nd in CAA |
Coaching Breakdown: Takayo Siddle
Few mid-major coaches have built a more sustainable winner than Takayo Siddle.
A longtime Kevin Keatts protégé, Siddle has implemented a modern, positionless system built around pace, effort, defensive pressure, and offensive freedom. His recruiting philosophy emphasizes experienced, versatile players who can defend multiple positions while thriving within an unselfish offensive structure.
Under Siddle:
- 2025 CAA Tournament Champion
- 2022 CAA Regular Season Champion
- 2022 CBI Champion
- Career Record: 106–47 (.693)
Practice Intel
Early reports from Wilmington indicate that Noah Ross, Nolan Hodge, and CJ Luster II have been the Seahawks’ most consistent performers throughout preseason practices.
Christian May and Madison Durr have also received praise for their defensive intensity and physicality.
The biggest surprise of camp has reportedly been Patrick Wessler. The Charlotte native brings legitimate size at seven feet tall while providing rim protection and interior scoring that UNCW lacked at times last season. Wessler originally drew multiple high-major offers before signing with Virginia Tech, and many inside the program believe he’s poised for a breakout year.
During a recent preseason visit, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein described Luster as “sensational” while calling the Luster-Williams pairing one of the best backcourts in the mid-major ranks.
Matchup Outlook vs. High Point
For High Point, the priority begins with limiting paint touches and eliminating second-chance opportunities.
The Seahawks are at their best when they’re dictating tempo, pushing after defensive rebounds, and relentlessly attacking the basket. If the Panthers allow UNCW to establish that rhythm early, it becomes extremely difficult to slow them down.
HPU’s deep backcourt will immediately be tested by a veteran group featuring five senior guards standing 6’3″ or taller. Matching that physicality without sacrificing offensive flow will be one of Flynn Clayman’s biggest early-season challenges.
Inside, the matchup between Patrick Wessler and High Point’s revamped frontcourt will be fascinating. Replacing the size and rim protection of Juslin Bodo Bodo is no small task, making Wessler’s battle with Owen Aquino one of the game’s defining individual matchups.
If the Panthers can control the tempo, protect the basketball, and compete evenly on the glass, they’ll give themselves an opportunity to disrupt the defending CAA champions’ preferred style.
Projection
UNC Wilmington projects as a Top 120 team nationally and enters the season as the clear favorite to capture another CAA championship. Their experienced backcourt, improved frontcourt, and established coaching staff make them one of the strongest mid-major programs in the country.
For High Point, this exhibition serves as an outstanding measuring stick before challenging non-conference matchups against Furman and later Radford. Facing Patrick Wessler’s size and CJ Luster’s shot-making ability should provide valuable preparation before Big South play begins, including showdowns with Asheville’s preseason Player of the Year Toyaz Solomon and Radford’s talented new backcourt.
This should be a physical, high-level battle between two of North Carolina’s premier mid-major programs.
Ultimately, I think UNCW’s continuity — both on the roster and on the sideline — along with home-court advantage proves to be the difference. The result won’t count in the standings, but it should provide both teams with invaluable experience heading into the regular season. For High Point, it offers an excellent opportunity to see exactly where this new-look roster stands before opening the season against Furman in Rock Hill.
Prediction
UNC Wilmington 72, High Point 63