Meet the Seahawks: Previewing the Big Men

Dodd, Steere provide the muscle while Boggs fits as stretch-four

In a traditional sense, UNCW is a little thin at forward this season.

Luckily for the Seahawks, the first #RunDefendWin era proved just how little traditional size mattered in chasing championships under Coach Kevin Keatts.

Expect more of the same under Coach Takayo Siddle, who won’t deviate much from the system he learned from his mentor as both a player and long-time assistant coach.

Since returning to Wilmington in March, Siddle landed one big-time transfer in former four-star recruit Ian Steere and saw the transfer of Martin Linssen (10.5 points, 4.6 rebounds), whose traditional post game wasn’t a great fit, to Saint Louis.  

Meanwhile, both Imajae Dodd — a traditional power forward — and Jake Boggs — a stretch four — stuck around after showing promise as freshmen, along with reserve big John Bowen.

A look at Seahawks forwards:

Imajae Dodd | 6-6 | 255 | Sophomore

2019-20: 15.9 minutes, 4.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 57.4% field goals

Not to say that Dodd is Devontae Cacok, because it’s not fair to compare a kid to one of the greatest players in program history, but there are certainly parallels.

Cacok, listed at a 6-6, 195-pound according to his recruiting profile, arrived with loads of untapped potential thanks to a high motor and athleticism. After playing a small role (9.1 minutes) off the bench as a freshman, his body matured and he added a new level to his game every season in Wilmington.

Dodd, listed at 6-6, 200 pounds as a recruit, has already transformed his body after proving himself as a capable rim-protector that can help set the tone with his energy.

What’s next for Dodd?

He might have given the word a preview starting with a seven-game stretch starting in mid-January, averaging 5.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 18.7 minutes, hitting 13 of 22 field goal attempts before he was slowed with an injury.

There’s no reason to believe Dodd, who is more offensively skilled than Cacok at this point in his career, won’t experience a similar jump in production for his sophomore season.

Based on this summer workout video, it appears Dodd has expanded his range, too.

Jake Boggs | 6-7 | 190 | Sophomore

2019-20: 18.5 minutes, 5.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 35.1% 3-pointers

Thanks to his size and skillset, Boggs’ production could allow the Seahawks to find a new gear.

With ideal size for a stretch-four in an uptempo system like UNCW’s, Boggs has the offensive game to cause major mismatch issues for defenders thanks to knocking down 35.1% of his 3-point attempts last season to lead the Seahawks. Shooting is Boggs’ strength, but he also showed some craftiness in picking spots to put it on the floor and get past defenders for jumpers around the free throw line.

Although he’s improved his body since arriving in Wilmington, the big question for how Boggs fits will be whether he can improve as both a rebounder and defender to provide more value when he’s on the floor. He was able to make an impact last season as a shot blocker thanks to his length, and with improved rebounding and interior defense, could allow the Seahawks to roll out an ultra-small and fast lineup.  

Ian Steere | 6-9 | 245 | Junior

2019-20: Played in six games at St. John’s

The biggest question-mark on the roster, Steere returns home after spending last season at St. John’s – his second school after beginning his college career with Siddle at N.C. State in 2018.

The former four-star recruit was the 113th ranked player in the Class of 2018, arriving in Raleigh with the reputation of an ultra-athletic rim protector and above-the-rim finisher. Although his strength and athleticism get the most praise, Steere is comfortable stepping out beyond the free throw line to knock down jumpers and shows he’s capable of using finesse around the basket, too.

He’s certainly the most physically mature of UNCW’s big men and his toughness and physicality will be key in setting the tone for this group.