What promises to be an exceptionally competitive Coastal Athletic Association men's basketball season will come down to the contributions of emerging players complementing the league's established stars. 

These x-factor players bring meaningful presence as scorers, rebounders, defenders, distributors — hence the "X." There is no one characteristic that defines a potential x-factor player beyond their ability to step up in crucial moments. 

Get to know some of the leading candidates to be breakout x-factors in the CAA this season. 

Ben Burnham, Forward - College of Charleston 

College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey wrapped up his session during 2023 CAA media day shouting out forward Ben Burnham specifically. Burnham was an integral part of the Cougars' 2022-23 CAA championship and run to the NCAA Tournament, averaging 8.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game off the bench. 

Opening 2023-24 as a starter, Burnham proved his importance to Charleston's aspirations for another historic season with 13 points and three steals in the Cougars' thrilling win over Iona. 

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Burnham's versatility as a capable inside or 3-point scorer, a physical rebounder and a tenacious defensive presence mean he can impact a game in multiple ways without having to carry the offensive load. 

Nick Farrar, Guard - UNC Wilmington 

Charleston transfer Nick Farrar's x-factor potential for UNC Wilmington was never more evident than at last March's CAA Championship. Farrar lit it up over a pivotal stretch in the Seahawks' quarterfinal defeat of Drexel, his 8-of-10 shooting powering UNCW to the win. 

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Farrar averaged 5.8 last season, but 9.1 points per over the Seahawks' final seven games. He opened 2023-24 building off that positive momentum with 12 points in the first game of the campaign. 

His ability to stretch the floor will lead not only to his own scoring opportunities, but help free newcomer KJ Jenkins for 3-point looks and keep defenses from packing in when Trazarien White attacks the paint off the dribble. 

Niels Lane, Guard - Delaware 

Niels Lane came to Delaware after serving as a role player for the Florida Gators. He will get the opportunity to immediately play a prominent role at Delaware, demonstrating as much on opening night with 13 points, four rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal in the Blue Hens' rout of Bucknell. 

New guy making his presence felt in game ☝️ @realnielsl pic.twitter.com/G0hvabkCRZ

— Delaware Men’s Basketball (@DelawareMBB) November 7, 2023

Lane's impressive all-around contributions to begin his Delaware tenure exhibited the impact he should have on the Blue Hens throughout the campaign, either contributing additional perimeter scoring punch or setting the defensive tone. 

Tomiwa Sulaiman, Forward - Towson

Coming in from IUP, Tomiwa Sulaiman brings the exact kind of physical presence that makes Pat Skerry-coached teams tick. Sulaiman averaged nearly a double-double per game a season ago at 12.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. 

His first game as a Tiger showed promise, with Sulaiman getting to the foul line effectively against a Top 25-caliber Colorado team. An excellent defensive player in Div. II, Sulaiman also debuted with a steal for Towson after averaging more than a shot blocked per game last season at IUP. 

Silas Sunday, Forward - Hofstra

One of the best backcourt trios anywhere in college basketball resides at Hofstra between consistent shooter Tyler Thomas, versatile Darlinstone Dubar and dynamic combo guard Jaquan Carlos. Adding a 7-footer into the mix, both as an interior scoring threat to feed off the outstanding perimeter play and to protect the rim on defense, makes the Pride especially dangerous in 2023-24. 

Silas Sunday, a transfer from Iona, appeared sparingly in his freshman campaign on Rick Pitino's roster. He came off the bench in his Hofstra debut and showed a ton of potential as a possible breakout contributor for Hofstra with eight points, seven rebounds — three on offense — two assists and a block. 

His role as the Pride's schedule increases in difficulty, which it will with Hofstra playing one of the nation's toughest non-conference dockets, will be a storyline worth following.