The race is on

Good morning! You made it to Friday. The only downside? There isn’t a conference media day event, and the next one isn’t until the Summit League on Tuesday. Until then, let’s get to Thursday’s news.

1. Towson picked to win CAA, UNCW a close second

There was one certainty entering Coastal Athletic Conference play this season: The preseason Player of the Year.

That’s Towson’s Tyler Tejada … who happens to be the CAA’s reigning POY. He averaged 16.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg and will pair with Dylan Williamson (14.6 ppg) for a potent 1-2 punch.

Those two are the primary reason Towson also was picked to win the league, as announced Thursday at CAA media day.

However, it was not a runaway vote.

UNC Wilmington and Charleston also got first-place votes. The Seahawks are projected to be led by preseason first-team guard CJ Luster (16.8 ppg), who earned all-league honors at Stony Brook — and is one of two CAA-related transfers. Charleston has the other one in Colby Duggan, who averaged 15.7 ppg at Campbell.

Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman continued their media tour run and interviewed all the coaches for insights and thoughts about their teams.

Here are some notable quotes and tidbits.

• Towson coach Pat Skerry on getting the Tigers back to the postseason. “We were the best team for three months (last season). We gotta figure out how to be the best team for three days.” Also, “Don’t sleep on [7-1 Fresno State transfer] Mor Seck. Really encouraged by how much he likes basketball and has been willing to take tough coaching”

• Tejada on why he chose to stay: “Best for me and my family,” noting that it was a “chaotic process” (without even entering the portal).

• Charleston coach Chris Mack noted “we’re a lot bigger, more athletic.” Additionally, he said that Furman coach Bob Richey said the Cougars don’t have the size of a typical CAA team.

• On adding transfers from the CAA, UNCW coach Takayo Siddle said, “If you can get some guys you already know, it’s a plus.” He also gave praise to returning veteran Nolan Hodge (7.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg): “He’s playing like a first teamer.” 

• Monmouth coach King Rice on Texas Southern transfer Kavion McClain: “He’s going to fight for Player of the Year. I never compare anyone to (former Monmouth star guard) Justin Robinson… Kavion can do what Justin did.”

Preseason All-CAA Teams

First team

• Tyler Tejada, Jr., G/F, Towson

• Colby Duggan, Jr., F, Charleston

• Cruz Davis, Jr., G, Hofstra

• CJ Luster, Sr., G, UNC Wilmington

• Dylan Williamson, R-Jr., G, Towson

Second team

• Mister Dean, So., G, Charleston

• Jack Collins, Sr., G, Monmouth

• LA Pratt, Sr., G Northeastern

• Collin O’Connor, So., Stony Brook

• Chase Lowe, Sr., William & Mary

2. NCAA tournament ‘inching’ to 76-team format

Back in August, the NCAA seemingly closed the door on any imminent NCAA Tournament expansion.

So much for that.

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