I remember a time when opposing teams feared coming to Trask Coliseum. Teams knew they were in for a long night against a tough defense and a brutal student section decked out in teal. Things have changed a little bit since then, highlighted by the fact that UNCW basketball hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since the 2005-2006 campaign. As the Seahawks have slid from being a perennial CAA power so too have the fans that have filled Trask in years past. The students, community and basketball team itself (although the team may not admit it) is desperate for this year to be a successful season if basketball is to continue to be the sport at UNCW.
Head Coach Benny Moss brought in a new philosophy following the Brad Brownell era , which no matter how you look at it has changed the identity of UNCW basketball. The Seahawks have turned into an offensive minded ball club that push the ball and spend much of game shooting from beyond the arc. This may be exciting to some but is yet to excite in the wins column. In three years as Head Coach, Moss has the overall record of 34-60 and 20-38 in CAA play. In his defense, the 2006-2007 season was plagued by injury and he hasn’t had a full complement of players which he has recruited, until now.
This year the team returns all five starters from last year, including its leader in scoring (15.6 ppg), assists (4.4), and steals (2.2) Chad Tomko. Tomko is to be joined by seven new players, including three freshman and four transfers. For the first time in his tenure Coach Moss and Tomko for that matter, will have a presence down low in the now eligible ECU transfer John Fields and a healthy Will Ohuaregbe. 
This means good things also for the athletic Dominque Lacy (10.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg) who was often forced in seasons past to play out of position. Lacy should be able to slash, shoot that 12-15 foot jumper and stay out of foul trouble with this new look squad. Also, look for a more effective Johnny Wolf (13.9 ppg) as he should benefit from this revamped lineup as well. High expectations loom as these Seahawks enter the 2009-2010 season.
Highlighting this years schedule are non-conference matchups against George Washington and Wake Forest. George Washington being the same school that came back from an 18-point deficit in the first round of the 2006 NCAA tournament to beat UNCW in the 8-9 seed game. Hopefully a little piece of revenge will be in store for the Colonials after that heartbreak on Sunday, November 15th at Trask Coliseum. The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University also visit UNCW early in the season, as the Seahawks will attempt to upset this national power and its NBA talent Al-Faroug Aminu on December 16th. All the basketball action officially starts Friday, November 13th as UNCW visits Appalachian State.
By Cliff Pyron
