CAA Basketball: Hofstra headlines 2019 conference tournament

By Zac Voynow | Mar 8, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Joe Mihalich of the Hofstra Pride reacts against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first half of the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival at Barclays Center on December 11, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 16: Devontae Cacok #15 and C.J. Bryce #12 of the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks react after a play against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Players to Watch

Justin Wright-Foreman, Hofstra

Justin Wright-Foreman will be the CAA player of the year. He’s been getting national attention as one of the best mid-major players in the country. JWF is also a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, which is given to the nation’s top shooting guard. He’s averaging 26.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting a ridiculous 52.1% from the field, 44.3% from three, and 85.8% from the line.

Devontae Cacok, UNCW

Devontae Cacok’s senior season hasn’t quite gone as planned, but he’s still probably the second best player in one of the best mid-major conferences in the nation. Cacok is looking to lead his last place UNCW team to a cinderella-esque CAA conference tournament run. He’s averaging 14.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 58.7% from the field. Cacok leads the nation in double-doubles this season and is currently ranked second in the nation in rebounds per game.

Vasa Pusica, Northeastern

Vasa Pusica is Northeastern’s best player and has quietly had a very good season. He’s a do-it-all type of guard, who’s averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s also shooting 50% from the field, 38.2% from deep, and 83.6% from the charity stripe.

Grant Riller, College of Charleston

Grant Riller emerged as a CAA player of the year candidate, which he most likely would win if it wasn’t for Justin Wright-Foreman’s incredible season. Riller is a great combo guard who can really fill it up offensively. He’s averaging 22.3 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s shooting 53.9% from the field, 34.6% from three, and 81.1% from the free throw line.

Jarrell Brantley, College of Charleston

Jarrell Brantley is easily the second best big man in the CAA, and should find himself alongside Devontae Cacok as a first-team all-CAA performer in the frontcourt. Brantley is a much more versatile player than Cacok. He’s a guy that’s getting looks from the NBA as a SF/PF versatile player, kind of reminiscent of James Johnson. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.8% from the field, 32.4% from three, and 78.4% from the free throw line.