The 2026-27 Coastal Athletic Association men's basketball season is approaching, and the race for the conference championship is already taking shape.
From a defending champion looking to repeat to a preseason favorite with something to prove, the CAA enters another season filled with familiar contenders, new faces, and plenty of competition.
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UNC Wilmington Basketball leads the way after earning 11 of 13 first-place votes in the CAA preseason coaches poll. Charleston defending champion Hofstra and Towson round out the projected top four, setting the stage for another competitive season.
With new coaches taking over programs, key transfers joining conference rosters and returning stars looking to make their mark, here is what to know before the 2026-27 CAA men's basketball season tips off.
UNCW Enters As The Team To Beat
The Seahawks have set the standard entering the new season.
After finishing 27-7 overall and 15-3 in conference play in 2025-26, UNCW earned the top spot in the preseason poll with 143 points and 11 first-place votes.
Graduate center Patrick Wessler headlines the Seahawks' roster after being named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year. He is joined by graduate guard CJ Luster II on the Preseason All-CAA First Team.
Under head coach Takayo Siddle, UNC Wilmington Men's Basketball enters the season with high expectations and a clear goal: turn regular-season success into a conference tournament championship.
Hofstra Looks To Defend Its CAA Title
The Pride is back after capturing the 2026 CAA Championship with a 75-69 victory over Monmouth.
Head coach Speedy Claxton's squad enters the season ranked third in the preseason poll, but Hofstra has added experienced talent to help defend its title.
Justin Moore returns to the CAA after spending last season at Loyola Chicago, while Deywilk Tavarez joins the Pride after previously competing at Charleston.
With two players who already know the conference and returning defensive contributor Joshua DeCady, Hofstra Men's Basketball has pieces to make another postseason run.
Charleston And Towson Round Out The Top Four
Charleston Men's Basketball enters the season ranked second in the preseason poll under new head coach John Groce.
Sophomore guard Eli Ellis earned Preseason All-CAA First Team recognition and will be one of the players to watch as the Cougars look to challenge UNCW for the top spot.
Towson Men's Basketball follows in fourth, with transfer Zion Stanford earning preseason second-team recognition.
Both programs will have opportunities to establish themselves early before conference play begins on Dec. 31.
When Does CAA Men's Basketball Conference Play Begin?
CAA conference play begins Dec. 31, 2026, with five matchups, including 2026 Campbell vs UNC Wilmington - Men's and 2026 Monmouth vs Stony Brook - Men's
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