Let’s take a closer look at a team that earned respect last season—the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. They made a legitimate run to an NCAA Tournament bid and stood toe-to-toe with a top-tier Texas Tech squad, dragging them down to the wire. That wasn’t luck—this was a team built to compete.
Now, as we head into a brand-new season, don’t be surprised if these Seahawks shock folks again. They’ve reloaded—six impact transfers, not just bodies, all bringing real talent. These guys can score, defend, stretch the floor, and make plays. They’re coming in to add depth, versatility, and toughness. Multiple weapons ready to push this program forward.
We’re diving deep—coaches, returning vets, new faces, and the identity this team’s carving out. We’re going to break down what makes them dangerous. If you follow college hoops or you’re all about scouting, this is a team you stay locked on. This isn’t another mid-major story—this is UNCW: a sleeping giant waking up. Let’s get it. Let’s do what we do—real scouting, real breakdowns, 100% authentic.
💼 Coaching & Culture
Head Coach: Takayo Siddle (6th season, 106–46 overall)
- Fresh off a 27–8 season, CAA tournament title and that near-upset of Texas Tech.
- Locked in through 2030 with a contract extension—stability and ambition right there uncw.edu.
- Culture-first. Defense-first. Chemistry-first. His mantra? “Get better every day—on the court and in our chemistry.”
Staff
- Continuity’s the name of the game. Assistants Kurt Kanaskie, Craig Ponder, Paul Hemrick, Hunter Henderson, and Austin Parker roll into 2025-26 with experience and buy-in.
🔍 UNC Wilmington Scouting Report (2024–25 Season)
Noah Ross (Sr, G)
- 2024‑25 stats: ~8.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 49% FG, 26% 3P, 75% FT, 24 mpg NC Sports Network
- Strengths: Elite rebounder for his size—bringing 6½ boards per game as a guard—high-effort on both ends, dependable senior leadership.
- Weaknesses: Limited outside shot (26% from three) and scoring upside; not a primary offensive option.
- Evaluator takeaway: A glue piece—gritty, reliable, and versatile in CAA-level matchups.
Nolan Hodge (Sr, G/F)
- 2024‑25 stats: ~7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 45% FG, ~38% 3P, 79% FT, ~23 mpg
- Strengths: Length (6’7″) with strong shooting splits and on-ball defense. Can operate off-ball or initiate secondary actions.
- Weaknesses: Score-mix light—more complementary than primary.
- Evaluator takeaway: Slim frame but effective spacing and defensive length make him matchup‑problematic in CAA rotations.
Greedy Williams (Sr, G)
- 2024‑25 stats: ~6.0 ppg, ~3.0 rpg, 41% FG, 29% 3P, 75% FT, 22 mpg
- Strengths: Athletic defender, disruptive off the ball, solid finishing around rim.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooting (below‑30% from deep), limited creation.
- Evaluator takeaway: Defensive specialist and role-player who thrives in a system.
Joshua Corbin (Gr, G)
- Stats: ~7 ppg, 2 rpg; 91% FT, 34% FG, 32% 3P in 24 mpg Sports-Reference.com+15NC Sports Network+15WTOP News+15
- Strengths: Free‑throw machine—shooting over 90% at the line—and able to spark offense off bench.
- Weaknesses: Low volume scoring and limited efficiency from floor.
- Evaluator takeaway: Reliable late‑game option with efficient free‑throw stroke; needs more creation off the bounce.
🚀 Incoming Transfers & Freshmen
C.J. Luster II (Sr, G, from Stony Brook)
- Stats: 16.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.7 spg; 42.1% 3P, 86.5% FT, All‑CAA Third Team in 32 starts UNC Wilmington Athletics+1UNC Wilmington Athletics+1
- Strengths: One of the conference’s elite shooters—over 100 triples last season—plus combo guard versatility and high basketball IQ.
- Weaknesses: At 165 lbs, needs to add strength and handle pressure.
- Evaluator takeaway: Ready-made scoring lift at guard; spacing capability transforms offense.
Madison Durr (Sr, G, from Monmouth)
- Stats: 12.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.1 apg; 38.8% 3P, 80.6% FT in 33 starts; had a 40‑point, 19/19 FT perfect game
- Strengths: Lengthy at 6’5″, capable of creating off the bounce and knocking down threes. Locking free‑throw efficiency under pressure. NCAA‑tournament proven scoring.
- Weaknesses: Turnover-prone under duress; streaky shooter.
- Evaluator takeaway: Size, creation, and scoring versatility add a new dimension to perimeter offense.
Jahnathan Lamothe (Jr, Wing, from NC A&T)
- Stats: ~13.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 47 steals; durable starter with multi-skill wing frame NC Sports Network+2NC Sports Network+2proballers.com+2
Strengths: Two-way rebounder and slasher; physicality and high motor on both ends. - Weaknesses: Spotty perimeter shooting, raw offensive polish.
- Evaluator takeaway: Will crash glass and defend with effort; upside if he improves shooting.
Christian May (Sr, G/F, from Towson)
- Stats: 8 ppg, 4 rpg in ~28 mpg; limited shooting (31% 3P), balanced ATO split
Strengths: Size and positional versatility; higher IQ floor spacing. - Weaknesses: Low offensive ceiling, inefficient from deep.
- Evaluator takeaway: Swiss-army wing; reliable rotational piece with upside in organized sets.
Gavin Walsh (Jr, F, from Binghamton)
- Stats: 11.3 ppg, 10.9 rpg (double‑double avg), 27 steals; All‑America East Third Team reddit.com+4UNC Wilmington Athletics+4UNC Wilmington Athletics+4
Strengths: Elite rebounder (top five nationally), physically tough, finishes at rim, brings hustle and energy each night. - Weaknesses: Limited perimeter game, thin ball‑handling.
- Evaluator takeaway: Blue-collar backbone inside; tough matchups for undersized frontcourts.
Patrick Wessler (Jr, C, from Virginia Tech)
- Stats: 4 ppg, 3 rpg, 63% FG, 11 blocks as rotational center in 11 mpg NC Sports Network+1NC Sports Network+1
Strengths: 7-foot frame, elite efficiency around rim, shot-blocking presence. - Weaknesses: Limited minutes and experience, still adjusting to expanded role.
- Evaluator takeaway: Blocker and lob threat; high upside when given consistent opportunity.
Prodanovic / Tokpah (Fr, 6’11″)
- Stats: Freshmen without previous college stats; raw size tools.
Strengths: Length, athleticism, developmental upside. - Weaknesses: Unproven at college level, raw polish.
- Evaluator takeaway: Lottery future if growth trajectory aligns; coaches clearly targeting depth.
📝 Why Evaluators Should Take Notice
This class blends proven conference-level performers (Luster, Durr, Walsh) with returning veterans (Ross, Hodge, Williams) who internalize Siddle’s culture. The result: immediate depth, spacing, and versatility.
Evaluators scanning for NBA G‑League prospects or European-ready wings will note:
- Luster’s shooting efficiency, handle, and pull-up ability.
- Walsh’s rebounding dominance and physical profile.
- Durr’s size and offensive flair under pressure.
Meanwhile, veterans like Ross and Hodge offer floor leadership and intangible culture traits that scouts value deeply.
🔑 Final Evaluation Takeaway
For evaluators, scouts, and media following the mid-major landscape closely—UNC Wilmington is not just worth a watch, they’re a priority team to track. Whether you’re projecting conference titles, postseason dark horses, or professional placement potential, this program checks all the boxes.
They have the toughness, the coaching, the depth, and now—the firepower.
Mark it down now: UNC Wilmington is a legitimate NCAA Tournament team in 2026, and they’re going to be a problem for whoever draws them in March.
🔚 Closing Statement & 2025–26 Season Projection
When you take a step back and really look at what Coach Takayo Siddle and his staff have put together—it’s clear this is not your average mid-major reload. This UNC Wilmington squad is built for something bigger. This isn’t just a “run it back” group or a team banking on momentum from a tournament appearance. This is a constructed roster—returning leadership, plus six new impact transfers who fit like puzzle pieces around a proven culture.
There’s depth at every position. There’s scoring, rebounding, rim protection, perimeter defense, and most importantly—guys who have done it at the D1 level. You don’t just add players like C.J. Luster, Madison Durr, and Gavin Walsh without raising your expectations. That’s a championship-level portal class with complementary roles. Add that to senior returners like Hodge and Ross, and you’re staring at one of the most complete rosters in the Coastal Athletic Association.
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