UNCW men’s basketball hosts “Night of Champions”
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Decades of history gathered in one place on Thursday for a fundraiser benefitting UNCW men’s basketball.
All four head coaches in program history to win a CAA title gathered for a panel among a group of the team’s supporters.
Those include Jerry Wainwright, Brad Brownell, Kevin Keatts and current leader Takayo Siddle. CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein served as the moderator.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Having learned from those that came before him, Siddle gives a lot of credit to them as mentors.
“All of those guys have been very helpful in my basketball career,” Siddle said. “I’ve been knowing Kevin since I was 18 years old. Ever since I’ve taken over the job here, Jerry’s been very instrumental in helping me grow as a coach. He’s always somebody I can lean on. Brad and his time here. They’ve all been great to me.”
Before him was Keatts, who most recently led N.C. State to a Final Four appearance in 2024. He believes this year’s Seahawks squad is primed for even more success.
“I think they really shoot the ball,” Keatts said. “The one thing that stands out to me about UNCW is they have experience at every position. He’s done a great job in the transfer portal. Going out and getting guys who really fit his style and I think it’s going to be a really exciting team to watch. I can tell you now Trask Coliseum’s going to be really fun.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
The four coaches have seven NCAA tournament appearances between them at UNCW, starting with Wainwright in 2000.
