With the end of the season drawing near, Drexel’s men’s basketball team notched two strong wins, a 78-74 road victory in their final contest with the dreaded Delaware Blue Hens, and a 64-55 upset over the ever-competitive College of Charleston Cougars. The Dragons will conclude their regular season schedule on Saturday, with a tough matchup against the Monmouth Hawks, at the DAC.
The Dragons will then travel to Washington D.C. for the 2025 Jersey Mike’s CAA Men’s Basketball Championship, an annual tournament that wraps up the college basketball year, and decides which school from the Coastal Athletic Association will punch their ticket to March Madness.
Last year, it was Charleston who won it all for the second straight season, taking down Stony Brook in a tight 82-79 matchup. Although the Cougars were favorites to win, the tournament was not without thrilling upsets, like Stony Brooks double overtime victory over two-seeded Drexel, and Towson’s ten-point takedown of three-seeded UNCW.
This year’s CAA competition was as tough as ever, seeing new programs emerge as true contenders, while some schools, raided by the transfer portal, have struggled to keep up in a strengthening conference. With only a week remaining until the 2025 Championship, let’s take a look at how the Dragons, and their conference foes stack up for this year’s tournament.
Top of the Pack
The first tier of contenders features the usual trio of Towson, UNCW, and Charleston, three well established programs that have a history of winning, which they have all replicated again this season.
Towson Tigers
Following three straight 20+ win seasons and the return of almost all of the 2023-24 squad, Pat Skerry’s squad was picked as the preseason favorites to win the conference. After struggling early, with a 5-8 out-of-conference record, the Tigers exploded with a 13-1 start to their CAA schedule, with huge road wins against UNCW, Northeastern, and Drexel. The Tigers are led by second year guards Tyler Tejada and Dylan Williamson, both of whom earned CAA All-Freshman honors, with Tejada being selected as conference Rookie of the Year. The Tigers have looked as good as advertised since the start of January, and project to be a fierce opponent in the CAA Championship again this year.
UNCW Seahawks
In similar fashion to Towson, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks have posted four consecutive seasons of 20+ wins, but have failed to take home a CAA Championship since 2017. Takayo Siddle’s squad has remained as consistent as ever this year, despite losing their top four scorers from last year. This year’s Seahawks squad is headlined by returning seniors Donovan Newby, and Khamari McGriff, both of whom have taken on much larger roles offensively in 2024-25. They are joined by a group of transfers, in Sean Moore (Farleigh-Dickinson), Bo Montgomery (Holy Cross), and Harlan Obioha (Niagara), with all three making successful transitions from much smaller schools. The Seahawks season has seen them take down Charleston twice, as well as defeating Monmouth, Drexel, and William&Mary, all on the road. The Seahawks were upset by Towson in last year’s CAA tournament, but with the leadership of a great coach, and a revitalized roster, UNCW has something to prove in D.C.
College of Charleston Cougars
After making back to back NCAA Tournaments, CAA Coach of the Year Pat Kelsey left Charleston, and traded jobs with Louisville’s Chris Mack. The Cougars could not have asked for a better replacement, as Mack’s thirteen years of experience at larger, successful programs has served the school well. With Kelsey’s exit, came the exit of key contributors Reyne Smith, Kobe Rodgers, and James Scott, who all joined their coach at Louisville, as well as Ben Burnham, who left for Virginia Tech. The man that remained was Ante Brzovic, who has excelled in a leading role, averaging 18.3 points, and 8.2 rebounds per game, showing why his CAA preseason player of the year nod was well deserved. Charleston found the remainder of their stars in the transfer portal, with Derrin Boyd (Lipscomb), Deywilk Tavarez (Delaware State), Lazar Djokovic (Xavier), and AJ Smith (Citadel) all making their impact felt in year one in Charleston. Despite two losses to UNCW, and a recent loss at the DAC to Drexel, Charleston is in as great a spot as anyone to three-peat and win the CAA championship.
Sleeper Contenders
The second tier of contenders features programs that overcame adversity and expectations to find themselves with real chances to make a run at the CAA title. Campbell is the only school in the tier to have made the NCAA tournament, but it’s been 33 years since their last appearance. Both Elon, in their 25 year program history, and William & Mary, in their 120 year tenure as an original NCAA program, have never made the tournament, but could rewrite history in D.C.
William & Mary Tribe
It’s been a tough ride for William & Mary, a historic program, who’s struggled to compete in the CAA in the past few seasons. The Tribe had more optimism entering this season, as Gabe Dorsey, Noah Collier, Chase Lowe, and Matteus Case all returned for 2024-25. It was a hot start to conference play for William & Mary, as an early 8-2 start, highlighted by a 90-75 victory over Charleston, made many writers project the Tribe as the coastal squad to make it to March. In their big win over the Cougars, senior forward Noah Collier, who averaged over 12 points per game on 63% shooting, went down with an injury. In Collier’s absence, guards Gabe Dorsey and Kyle Pulliam have helped carry the load, and a physical starting five, all standing over 6 ‘5”, should keep the Tribe in contention.
Campbell Camels
Despite taking home the Big South regular season title in 2019, the Camels have struggled to make it deep into the postseason. After losing star forward Anthony Dell’Orso to Arizona, the Camels needed big production out of a relatively untested group of returning players and transfers. After struggling to find their identity out of the gate, the Camels got hot in January, winning seven straight, including a 41 point victory over William & Mary, and an 18 point defeat of the Elon Phoenix. Sophomore forward Colby Duggan has driven the offensive success for Campbell, averaging 20 points per game in CAA games, compared to a pedestrian 10.3 he averaged prior to conference play. Additionally, senior guard Jasin Sinani and former Holy Cross guard Nolan Dorsey have brought consistent production in role player roles. The Camels ability to dominate their opponents, matched with the unbelievable improvement of Duggan, should give the Camels a shot to get over the hump in D.C.
Elon Phoenix
The Phoenix have posted only one winning season since joining the CAA in 2014, and only four total seasons in the program’s 26 years at the Division 1 level. Following another disappointing finish, Billy Taylor’s squad retained a majority of their team, including 6’10” forward Sam Sherry. The Phoenix added fellow big man Matthew Van Komen, a 7’4” center, who transferred from Hawaii Pacific. With a pair of giants in the paint, and twin brothers in TJ and TK Simpkins handling the ball, Elon forecasted as an unorthodox team that would find themselves in the middle to bottom of the conference. After an 84-77 thrilling upset of Notre Dame in South Bend, the Phoenix stumbled around a .500 record in CAA play, before recently notching big victories over conference frontrunners UNCW and Towson. Elon’s experience in big games this season should lead to an improved finish in the CAA Championship.
Long-Shot Cinderellas
The third tier of schools features programs that are currently on the outside looking in. Hampton entered the 2024-25 season with a roster full of unknowns, while Monmouth’s gauntlet of an out of conference schedule set them back to start the year. Drexel and Hofstra boasted top four finishes in the regular season last season, but lost their best players in Tyler Thomas and Amari Williams. Northeastern was the least affected by the portal, but needed many of their juniors to take major steps. These teams have flashed potential to be real contenders but will need a Cinderella-esk run to find themselves March Madness.
Monmouth Hawks
The Hawks have been one of the peskiest teams in the CAA this year. In the out of conference portion of their schedule, Monmouth played one of the most stacked schedules in the nation headlined by games against Auburn, Michigan State and Rutgers. A schedule that tough meant that Monmouth came into CAA play with just two-wins, but it has also prepared them well for the gauntlet of the CAA. The Hawks are led by sophomore standout Abdi Bashir, who leads the NCAA in made 3-pointers and 13th in the nation in points per game with 20.1. Bashir, along with Citadel transfer Madison Durr have formed a dynamic duo that ride an explosive offense that can down anyone they might face in March.
Hampton Pirates
Hampton enters the CAA Tournament as one of the hottest teams in the conference. The Pirates retained just two players from last season, but they brought in a huge class of transfers from a series of mid and high major schools. Noah Farrakhan and George Beal Jr. lead a high powered offense that has the power to take down anyone in March. The Pirates have seemingly found their form in February, even taking down UNCW during a five-game win streak. If the Pirates upset a few higher-ranked teams in March, don’t be surprised, but don’t be surprised if they flame out early, either.
Drexel Dragons
Game in and game out, the Dragons are competitive with any team that they face. In their biggest games this season, Drexel has been in a position to win. Too often, though, their opportunity has slipped through their fingers. Double overtime losses to UNCW and Monmouth and two losses against Towson that should have been wins loom large when looking at Drexel’s record. The Dragons certainly have the talent to compete with anyone. Kobe MaGee is not only the best 3-point shooter in the conference, he is one of the best in the nation. Yame Butler provides incredible one-on-one skill, plus the emergence of Cole Hargrove and Jason “Deuce” Drake make the Dragons a deep team that can get production from anyone in the lineup. Drexel’s defense has been able to mitigate even the most high-powered offenses, and their gritty, deliberate style of play poses problems for everyone they play. Don’t be surprised if you see them go on a deep tournament run as they make every game close and uncomfortable for their opponents.
Northeastern Huskies
The Huskies were the first victim of the Seawolves incredible run last season, but retained enough talent to produce the deepest team in years for 2024-25 (19). A trio of big, junior guards in Rashad King, Masai Troutman, and Harold Woods, all were key contributors last season, and projected to lead a strong squad in Boston. Troutman was selected to the All-CAA Preseason team, and his 13.5 points per game on 39.6% shooting from three point helped the Huskies jump out of the gate to a hot 8-5 start. The Huskies have maintained around a .500 record during CAA play, with big road wins against Hampton and Hofstra. Rashad King has emerged as a conference player of the year favorite, averaging 18 points, over 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, playing as one of the premier point guards among mid major schools. Additionally, the return of physical guard Harold Woods, and the addition of Elon transfer LA Pratt have kept the Huskies running this year. With one of their strongest teams in seasons, and hopes of ending a five-year postseason drought, watch out for Northeastern in D.C.
Hofstra Pride
Hofstra has been one of the CAA’s disappointments this season, as they have gone from perennial contender to bottom-feeder in the conference. The Pride lost CAA Player of the Year Tyler Thomas but they added a very impressive transfer class this offseason. With additions from big name schools like St. John’s and Seton Hall, expectations were high for the Pride. However, Hofstra has the second worst offense in the CAA. The Pride will likely not be making a run in March, but Speedy Claxton’s squad has talent up and down the lineup and with the help of some March Magic, Hofstra could win a few games.
Out of the Picture
The fourth tier of schools features programs that never truly found their footing, and find themselves at season’s end, basically out of the picture. While Stony Brook and Delaware faced the challenge of inexperienced rosters, off the court issues have held back North Carolina A&T’s chances of success in 2024-25. For these final three schools, expectations should be low for D.C, and the focus should be on the future for fans of the Blue Hens, Seawolves, and Aggies.
Delaware Blue Hens
Delaware has one of the most talented players in the conference in John Camden and one of the best freshmen in the league in Izaiah Pasha. Despite this, they have struggled to put wins together. The Blue Hens have an up-tempo, high powered offense, but their defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed as they give nearly 78 points per game, the worst in the CAA. As is the case with most teams in this part of the rankings, they have a few talented players who could catch fire and single-handedly win a game or two, but otherwise don’t expect to see the Blue Hens make a run in their final season in the CAA.
Stony Brook Seawolves
The Seawolves got their first real chance at March Madness last season, as following wins over the two-seeded Dragons, and four-seeded Pride, they fell to the Cougars in the CAA Championship final. The Seawolves lost a bulk of their core to graduation and the transfer portal, but added veteran transfers Joe Octave (Holy Cross), CJ Luster (Salt Lake Community College), and Ben Wright (Toledo), to attempt to soften the loss. Throughout the year, Stony Brook has struggled to find an offensive identity, as aside from Luster’s 16 points per game on above a 40% mark from beyond the arc, the Seawolves have lacked efficient scorers. With only two wins against CAA schools, and a whopping total of six on the season, it seems improbable Stony Brook could repeat their magic come this year’s tournament.
North Carolina A&T Aggies
It’s been quite a rocky season for the Aggies and coach Monte Ross this season. After opening winless through their first nine conference games, the NC A&T athletics department released a statement announcing the indefinite suspensions of top scorers Ryan Forrest and Landon Glasper, as well as sophomore guard Julius Reese. The reason for suspension has not been released, but reports have tied the program to an on-going game fixing scandal that has also impacted Eastern Michigan and raised concerns about Temple’s games last season. Since losing their best two players, and starting their CAA schedule 0-12, the Aggies have rebounded to win three of their last four, including a big road victory over Elon, as well as a home win against the fierce Campbell Camels. The Aggies grabbed sophomore guard Jahnathan Lamothe from Maryland in the transfer portal, who’s averaged over 20 points, 9 rebounds, and two steals per contest, since the announcement of the suspensions. Lamothe was awarded a spot on the UBSWA National team of the week, following his big performance. 2024-25 seems like a lost year, but with all the odds against them (no pun intended), could the Aggies sneak some wins in the nation’s capital?
The Triangle’s Prediction
The 2025 Jersey Mike’s CAA Men’s Basketball Championship begins play on Friday, March 7th, with Drexel’s first contest taking place the next day. Although all seeding and matchups are still unknown, this year’s tournament forecasts to be as hard-fought and thrilling an experience as last year’s.
James’s Pick: UNCW Seahawks. I don’t think Charleston is deep enough to three-peat this year, and Towson’s played in too many close games for my comfort. This leaves the Seahawks, with an incredibly talented coach in Takayo Siddle, and a deep roster that can score top to bottom, as my pick to win it all. Watch out for Elon and Campbell, as they project to be two teams that could mess up some brackets.
Paulie’s Pick: Towson Tigers. The CAA is a gritty, hard-nosed league. Let’s just say, offense is not our conference’s specialty. No team epitomizes that better than Towson. The Tigers have the best defense in the CAA and the third worst offense. They play physical, they drag everyone they play into a rockfight and they can mitigate the talented offenses of UNCW, Charleston or William & Mary. Now, I will make the case of being a Drexel homer. The team that plays most similarly to Towson? Drexel. In all likelihood, Drexel and Towson will meet in the early stages of the CAA Tournament. In both matchups between the Dragons and Tigers, the Dragons had the game won and fumbled it away in the final seconds. If the Dragons are able to finally take down the Tigers in March, I think it is the Dragons championship to lose.