Panther’s Toothsayer: UNC Wilmington Seahawks

Image of UNCW's Trask Coliseum

🔍 Overview

The reigning CAA Tournament Champions, UNC Wilmington enters 2025–26 fresh off its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017. Head coach Takayo Siddle, now in his sixth season, has built a culture centered on relentless tempo, discipline, and unselfish play. His 106–47 record (.693) and 2022 CAA Coach of the Year honor underline one of the most consistent programs in the mid-major landscape.

Last season, the Seahawks went 27–8 (14–4 CAA) and ranked first in the league in points per game (79.2), field goal percentage (47%), and rebounding margin (+7.1) — all trademarks of Siddle’s attack-minded system.

⚙️ Team Identity: Fast, Fearless, and Fluid

Siddle’s Seahawks are known for their up-tempo offense and inside-out philosophy. They ranked among the top 25 nationally in offensive efficiency and top 20 in offensive rebounding rate, thriving on second-chance points and rim attacks.

UNCW doesn’t rely on one star — instead, they share the ball at an elite rate (15.2 assists per game) while keeping turnovers low (10.4 per game).

Defensively, the Seahawks apply constant pressure, using length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes. Expect a switch-heavy scheme anchored by Christian May and Madison Durr, two of their best on-ball defenders.

🧩 Key Returners

Noah Ross (Sr., 6'7") – Top returning scorer (8.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG). Stretch forward with touch, rebounding, and toughness. Named to the 2025 CAA All-Tournament Team.

Nolan Hodge (Sr., 6'7") – Versatile wing who can score at all three levels. Dropped a team-high 18 points in UNCW’s NCAA Tournament game vs. Texas Tech.

Greedy Williams (Sr., 6'5") – Vocal leader and two-way threat. Brings energy, defensive presence, and experience.

Makoi Mabor Makoi (So., 6'11") – Developing rim protector who adds length and rebounding off the bench.

🧠 New Faces to Know

CJ Luster II (Sr., 6'3") – The headline transfer from Stony Brook (16.8 PPG, 42% from deep). A smooth scorer and preseason All-CAA First Team pick.

Patrick Wessler (R-Jr., 7'0") – Former Virginia Tech big man and Charlotte native. True seven-footer with a 250-pound frame — will test HPU’s new-look frontcourt.

Jahnathan Lamothe (Jr., 6'4") – Ex-Maryland guard who brings defensive toughness and backcourt depth.

Christian May (Sr., 6'5") – Towson transfer with defensive bite and driving ability.

Madison Durr (Sr., 6'5") – Monmouth transfer praised as one of the most consistent performers in preseason workouts.

📊 By the Numbers

Category	Stat	Rank
Points per Game	79.2	1st in CAA
FG%	47.0%	1st in CAA
2P%	53.7%	Top 100
Offensive Efficiency	116.2	Top 25
Offensive Rebounding %	34.4%	Top 20
Free Throw %	75.0%	3rd in CAA
Assists per Game	15.2	Top 75
Turnovers per Game	10.4	Top 50
Rebounding Margin	+7.1	2nd in CAA

🧩 Coaching Breakdown: Takayo Siddle (6th Year)

A former Kevin Keatts protege, Siddle has implemented a modernized “Keatts-style” system at UNCW — fast, positionless, and built on effort. His teams consistently rank among the CAA’s most efficient on both ends, and his recruiting strategy emphasizes experienced, multi-positional transfers who fit his demanding style.

Under Siddle:

• CAA Tournament Champion (2025)

• CAA Regular Season Champion (2022)

• CBI Champion (2022)

• Career Record: 106–47 (.693)

🗣 Practice Intel

Reports out of Wilmington highlight Noah Ross, Nolan Hodge, and CJ Luster as the most consistent performers this preseason. Christian May and Madison Durr have earned praise for their defensive intensity.

Meanwhile, Patrick Wessler has been labeled the “Biggest Surprise” of camp — a huge seven-footer who adds interior scoring and rim protection. Wessler garnered multiple high-major offers out of high school before ending up in the ACC at Virginia Tech. 

During a recent practice visit, Jon Rothstein described Luster as “sensational” and pegged the Luster–Williams backcourt as one of the best in the mid-majors.

🏀 Matchup Outlook vs. High Point

For High Point, the key will be limiting UNCW’s paint touches and second-chance points. The Seahawks thrive when dictating tempo — they love to push after defensive rebounds and wear teams down with rim pressure.

HPU’s deep backcourt will be tested early against a veteran unit featuring five senior guards 6'3" or taller. Containing Wessler inside and forcing contested jump shots could tilt momentum. The 7-footer’s size against the Panthers’ new look front court sans Juslin Bodo Bodo will definitely be interesting. Him against Aquino in particular will be a must watch matchup. 

If the Panthers can control tempo, limit turnovers, and match UNCW’s rebounding effort, they’ll have a real chance to neutralize the defending champs’ rhythm and make an early statement.

🔮 Projection

UNCW projects as a Top 120 team nationally and clear CAA title favorite, with a projected 22–9 overall record. The Seahawks’ experienced backcourt and improved front line make them a dangerous out for anyone.

For High Point, this matchup is the perfect litmus test before Furman and later Radford — programs built on similar athleticism and tempo. Facing Patrick Wessler’s size and CJ Luster’s scoring will prepare HPU for its Big South slate, including showdowns with Preseason Player of the Year Toyaz Solomon of Asheville and Radford’s lauded new backcourt.

This will be a high-level physical battle between two mid-major behemoths in the Old North State.

Ultimately, I think the continuity of Wilmington’s returning players and coach along with homecourt advantage wins out in a game that won't count towards the standings but will make each team better before the regular season tips off and will give this new iteration of the Panthers a great measuring stick before a tough season-opener against Furman down in Rock Hill.

Prediction: UNCW 72, HPU 63