CAA Basketball Championship Futures: Odds, Predictions & Top Contenders
Updated November 4, 2026
Updated November 4, 2026
The 2027 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men's Basketball Championship features a competitive field led by UNC Wilmington, Charleston, and defending tournament champion Hofstra. Below, we examine the leading CAA championship contenders, our prediction, and the factors that could determine which program captures the conference crown.
The reigning regular-season champions return preseason POY Patrick Wessler and guard CJ Luster II.
New head coach John Groce brings an impressive championship pedigree to Charleston.
The defending CAA Tournament champions will look to repeat behind head coach Speedy Claxton.
Pat Skerry's program remains a dangerous contender, seeking a breakthrough CAA title.
Returning forward Stefanos Spartalis and guard Ashton Walker provide continuity for the Hawks.
The reigning regular-season champions return preseason POY Patrick Wessler and guard CJ Luster II.
New head coach John Groce brings an impressive championship pedigree to Charleston.
The defending CAA Tournament champions will look to repeat behind head coach Speedy Claxton.
Pat Skerry's program remains a dangerous contender, seeking a breakthrough CAA title.
Returning forward Stefanos Spartalis and guard Ashton Walker provide continuity for the Hawks.
Prediction: UNC Wilmington Seahawks to win the 2027 CAA Championship
UNC Wilmington enters the 2026–27 season as our prediction to capture the CAA Tournament championship. Under head coach Takayo Siddle, the Seahawks have established themselves as one of the conference's most consistent programs. Their 2025–26 campaign included a 15–3 conference record and an outright regular-season championship. Returning center Patrick Wessler, who averaged 13.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, gives UNCW a reliable interior presence capable of creating difficult matchups throughout the tournament.
The Seahawks' previous-season efficiency also supports backing them to win the CAA championship in our college basketball predictions. UNCW collected 35.6% of available offensive rebounds while holding opponents to a 47.1% effective field goal percentage. Although roster changes mean those numbers are not guaranteed to carry forward, Wessler's return gives the Seahawks an opportunity to maintain their advantages around the basket.
Charleston and Hofstra represent serious challenges, particularly given Charleston's coaching upgrade and Hofstra's recent tournament success. However, UNC Wilmington's combination of returning frontcourt production, experienced coaching, and established program consistency makes the Seahawks our choice to win the 2027 CAA championship.
Chasing Double Byes
The CAA's 13-team tournament format rewards the top four seeds with double byes into the quarterfinals, making regular-season positioning particularly valuable.
Unbalanced Scheduling
Each team plays 18 CAA games but faces only six opponents twice, meaning differences in schedule strength can influence conference standings.
UNCW's Interior Edge
Patrick Wessler's rebounding and post production could be decisive against conference opponents that lack comparable frontcourt size.
Charleston's Coaching
John Groce's arrival introduces a different system, making the Cougars' adaptation and chemistry important considerations when assessing their championship potential.
.webp%3F2026-11-03T13%253A59%253A12.815Z&w=3840&q=75&dpl=7c3450a0cf7be9f92054a8818be319062a607dc9)