New era begins for UNCW basketball

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today we got our first chance to see and hear from the two-time defending CAA Champions at the UNCW Men’s Basketball media day.

It’s a new year with a new coach, but expectations are flying high.

“We want to win the CAA Tournament, build on that and hopefully make a run in the tournament.” UNCW Senior Guard Jordon Talley said.

It’s safe to say this team echoes the confidence Jordon Talley has. This year, we have seen many new faces come to the Port City. but one returning may be the most important piece of all.

“The summer was a stressful time for me, trying to figure out what I wanted to do for myself and my family and what would be better for me,” UNCW Junior Forward Devontae Cacok said. “I feel like staying here with McGrath was the better decision. I’m happy with my decision. I’m here, I’m with the Seahawks and that’s where I plan on finishing at.”

Under the new McGrath system, the team will run much of the offense through number 15. Cacok says he has worked with Coach McGrath a lot in the off season off the court to get the most out of his game on the court. All in an effort to get better every day.

“I think if we focus on each day getting better, all of the big stuff will take care of itself,” UNCW Head Coach C.B. McGrath said. “Obviously we’re back to back defending CAA Tournament champions and we want to defend that title. But you can’t set that as your goal but then not worry about getting better everyday.”

To make sure that message is heard, it will be on leaders like Jordon Talley and Devontae Cacok to lead the collective group to achieve the team goals and make it past the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“We’ve been there two years in a row and we know what it’s like,” Cacok said. “We know we’re not trying to come short again. We want to get past that hurdle.”

“It’s going to take everybody,” Talley said. “Everybody on the team. From me, Devontae, all the way down. Everybody needs to take that next step in their game. We have to come together, and as soon as we come together, we got the talent, we can make some noise.”

The season is now just over one month away. The Seahawks will open the regular season November 11 at home against N.C. Wesleyan.