Seahawks Soar: UNCW Basketball Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons

As the college basketball season approaches, the UNCW men's and women's basketball teams are brimming with excitement and anticipation. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, both squads are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming year.

Unlocking the Seahawks' Potential: A Season of Opportunity Awaits

Rebuilding the Men's Squad: Siddle's Strategic Approach

The UNCW men's basketball team, led by fifth-year head coach Takayo Siddle, is determined to bounce back from a season that saw them miss the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive year. Despite the loss of four double-digit scorers, Siddle has bolstered the roster with strategic additions through the transfer portal. The focus has been on addressing the team's size and physicality, with the addition of several players standing 6-foot-7 or taller, including the 6-foot-11 freshman Makoi Mabor and the 7-foot Niagara transfer Harlan Obioha. Siddle believes this increased size and length will better prepare the Seahawks to compete with the top teams in their conference, such as Towson, which knocked them out of the CAA Tournament last year.

Embracing the Home Crowd: Seahawks Eager to Thrill Trask Coliseum

The Seahawks' home slate, which opens on November 4th against Mount Olive, has the players buzzing with excitement. Junior guard Nolan Hodge expressed his eagerness to see the Trask Coliseum filled with the team's passionate fans, stating, "I'm just excited to see everybody back in Trask. It's been empty and lonely in here all offseason, you look around the seats are empty, but I'm ready to run out and see 5,200 (fans) ready to go." The Seahawks' home-court advantage could prove crucial as they face challenging road matchups against the likes of Kansas and defending CAA champion Charleston.

Rebuilding the Women's Program: Coach Woods' Transformative Vision

The UNCW women's basketball team, under the guidance of second-year head coach Nicole Woods, is also poised for a turnaround after back-to-back five-win seasons. Woods has been proactive in reshaping the roster, adding nine new players in the offseason, including North Carolina transfer Alexandra Zelaya and Bradley forward Isis Fitch. Many of the newcomers cited Woods and the culture she's creating as the primary reasons for choosing UNCW. Despite the team's recent struggles, Woods and her players are confident in their ability to achieve a remarkable turnaround this season, with the goal of being the number one turnaround in the country.

Facing Formidable Foes: UNCW Women's Challenging Schedule

The UNCW women's team will face a daunting early-season schedule, opening with road tests against Virginia Tech and North Carolina. However, the Seahawks are embracing the challenge, believing that these tough matchups will prepare them for the rigors of conference play. Coach Woods is confident in her team's ability to compete and surprise those who may have written them off, stating, "We know what we have in the locker room, and our goal is to have the number one turnaround in the country this year. And we believe we can do that based on the young women we have in the locker room."As the college basketball season approaches, the UNCW men's and women's basketball teams are poised to make a significant impact. With a mix of experienced players, strategic additions, and a renewed sense of purpose, both squads are ready to soar to new heights and captivate their loyal fans in Trask Coliseum.