CAA Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 07: Cameron Holden #55 of the Towson Tigers tries to dribble by Kevin Anderson #1 of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens during the semifinals of the Colonial Athletic Association Basketball Tournament at the Entertainment & Sports Arena on March 7, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Shykeim Phillips #2 of the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

6. Northeastern Huskies

Northeastern has become a consistent outlet under Bill Coen, who is now entering his 17th season with the program. But like William & Mary, this team hit an abyss a year ago.

Last year was Coen’s worst in his nearly two decades with the Huskies. The team finished in the CAA cellar with a 2-16 conference record, a stunning shock from a year earlier when the team tied for the conference championship during the Covid-shortened season.

There are a few strong upperclassmen that should lead Northeastern back to better days. Guard Jahmyl Telfort finished 13th in the league with 12.6 points per game last season. Former Notre Dame player Chris Doherty, meanwhile, had 11.8 points per game and led the league with 8.9 rebounds per contest. Coleman Stucke is another name to watch.

5. UNC Wilmington Seahawks

Takayo Siddle has UNC Wilmington in position to compete for an NCAA Tournament berth. Is this the year the Seahawks breakthrough?

Last year, the Seahawks went 27-9, winning a share of the regular season title in the CAA. The team couldn’t win the conference tournament, however, which resulted in being banished to the College Basketball Invitational.

Guards Shykeim Phillips and Trazerien White are the players to watch at UNC Wilmington. Phillips averaged 11.3 points and 3.8 rebounds a year ago while making the All-CAA Defensive Team. Meanwhile, white had 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as a freshman.