Seahawk Perch Monday Tipoff
The week ahead in UNCW basketball + tidbits from around the CAA, state and nation
Welcome to the first edition of the Seahawk Perch Monday Tipoff, where we’ll get you ready for what’s coming up in UNCW basketball this week, in addition to what’s happening around the CAA, the state and the nation.
UNCW begins the week at 0-0, ranked No. 250 in the KenPom rankings. The Seahawks are 245th in offensive efficiency and 264th in defensive efficiency.
First, here’s how to set up your holiday weekend around Seahawk basketball, with all three games airing via ESPN+.
Wednesday, vs. Western Carolina, 1 p.m.
KenPom chance of victory: 40%
The Catamounts are a program on the rise thanks to third-year coach Mark Prosser and star guard Mason Faulkner. Expect this one to be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair with both teams looking to run and put up 3-pointers. A great chance for UNCW to get to work in its new system.
Friday, at UNC Asheville, 3:30 p.m.
KenPom chance of victory: 34%
Good thing the Seahawks will have Thanksgiving off, because they’ll be in another track meet on Friday with Mike Morrell, a former assistant under Shaka Smart, whose team will bring the same ‘Havoc’ style that gave UNCW nightmares when VCU was in the league.
The Bulldogs have four really talented guards who love to force turnovers.
Saturday, vs. Troy, 1 p.m.
KenPom chance of victory: 53%
The Trojans are still in rebuilding mode in their second season under Coach Scott Cross after he spent a decade building a solid program at UT Arlington.
Troy struggled mightily on offense last season then lost several key players, but managed to land a few junior college transfers that should contribute immediately. UNCW should be favored in this one.
Find a more in-depth preview of the opponents here.
We’ll be here with plenty of post-game analysis all weekend.
Of Note for UNCW
Siddle met with media on Friday. Here’s the full Q&A from The Seahawk.
The coaches’ show with kicks off at Noon today and will be broadcast on Facebook.
The Seahawks are thankful for the opportunity to finally play a game.
Want a cutout inside Trask Coliseum this season? A few options are available.
The Seahawk Club is putting on a special preview show. Folks in Wilmington have the option for dinner, too.
Of Note Elsewhere
Elon has a few key players getting healthy in time for the season.
Auburn has decided to self-impose a postseason ban with the hope of moving past its involvement in college basketball’s bribery scandal.
A few intriguing storylines to watch.
CBS Sports ranked the top 101 players in college hoops.
Baylor’s Scott Drew tested positive for COVID-19, which could jeopardize a marquee matchup vs. Arizona State.
Florida’s virus issues are keeping it out of the Bubbleville event.
Around the CAA
WEDNESDAY
Charleston at No. 16 North Carolina, 6 p.m.
The Cougars begin life after Grant Riller with a tough one as the Tar Heels have reloaded with great recruiting class and perhaps the most talented group of big men in the country. Still, big opportunity for Charleston..
Hofstra at Monmouth, 7 p.m. ESPN3
The Pride begins its quest for a third straight 25-win season against a solid Monmouth team. With Coach Joe Mihalich on medical leave, assistant Mike Farrelly will guide the preseason CAA favorite.
THURSDAY
Rhode Island vs. Towson, 12:30 p.m.
George Mason vs. Northeastern, 2 p.m. (ESPN3)
SATURDAY
Drexel at Pittsburgh, TBA
Northeastern at Belmont, 12 p.m. (ESPN3)
High Point at Elon, 4 p.m.
William & Mary at Old Dominion, 7 p.m.
An old-school CAA matchup in Hampton Roads!
SUNDAY
Radford at James Madison, 7 p.m.
Dukes guard Matt Lewis is the CAA’s preseason player of the year while the Highlanders have won 20 games for three straight seasons.
TOP NATIONAL GAMES
No. 2 Baylor vs. No 18 Arizona State, 9 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN)
No. 6 Baylor vs. No. 1 Gonzaga, 1:30 p.m. Thursday (FOX)
VCU at No. 12 Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. Friday
Notre Dame at No. 13 Michigan State, TBD Saturday
Richmond at No. 10 Kentucky, 1 p.m. Sunday (ESPN)
No. 2 Baylor at Seton Hall, 4:30 p.m. Sunday (FS1)
No. 17 Houston at No. 14 Texas Tech, 5 p.m. Sunday (ESPN)
Complete Schedule — North Carolina’s Division I Programs
Wednesday, Nov. 25
UNCW vs. Western Carolina, 1 p.m.
N.C. A&T at No. 8 Illinois, 2 p.m.
N.C. Central at No. 5 Iowa, 4 p.m.
Delaware State at Wake Forest, 4 p.m.
Charleston at No. 16 North Carolina, 6 p.m.
High Point at Davidson, 7 p.m.
NC Wesleyan at Elon, 7 p.m.
Gardner-Webb at No. 9 Duke, 8 p.m.
Charleston Southern at N.C. State, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at No. 12 Tennessee, 8 p.m.
Appalachian State at S.C. State, TBA
Thursday, Nov. 26
Ohio at N.C. A&T, 3 p.m.
Charlotte vs. VCU, 7 p.m.
N.C. Central vs. Southern, TBA
Friday, Nov. 27
Western Carolina vs. Troy, 1 p.m.
Gardner-Webb at No. 21 Florida State, 3 p.m.
UNCW at UNC Asheville, 3:30 p.m.
North Florida at N.C. State, 5:30 p.m.
Carver at Appalachian State, 6 p.m.
UNCG vs. Little Rock, 7 p.m.
Longwood at Wake Forest, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Coppin State at No. 9 Duke, TBA
High Point at Elon, 4 p.m.
Western Carolina at UNC Asheville, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 29
St. Andrews at Campbell, 2 p.m.
Gardner-Webb at Georgia, 2 p.m.
Winthrop vs. UNCG, 8:30 p.m.