2015-16 #CAAMoments - Men's Basketball
UNCW celebrates its 2016 CAA Men's Basketball Championship.

2015-16 #CAAMoments - Men's Basketball

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Rob Washburn

One of the most competitive seasons in CAA men’s basketball history resulted in a classic title game as UNCW and Hofstra, who shared the league’s regular-season title, needed overtime to decide the conference championship. The Seahawks rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to post an 80-73 victory, becoming the sixth different team to win the CAA championship over the past six years. Senior Craig Ponder scored 20 points and tournament MOP Chris Flemmings added 19 for the Seahawks, while Hofstra got a game-high 24 points from Ameen Tanksley and 18 points and a tournament-record 23 rebounds from Rokas Gustys.

Watch highlights from that memorable game here. 

The CAA was ranked 9th among the nation’s 32 Division I conferences in the final NCAA RPI, which matched the best performance in league history.  Five CAA teams (Hofstra, UNCW, James Madison, Towson and William & Mary) reached the 20-win mark and the league had eight squads with at least 16 victories for the first time ever. UNCW (NCAA Tournament), Hofstra (NIT) and Towson (Vegas 16) represented the conference in post-season play.

Hofstra guard Juan’ya Green earned CAA Player of the Year and honorable mention All-America accolades after becoming one of three players nationally to average at least 17 points and 7 assists per game. UNCW’s Kevin Keatts became the first-ever repeat winner of the CAA Coach of the Year award. Rookie of the Year honors went College of Charleston’s Jarrell Brantley and William & Mary’s Terry Tarpey received his second straight Defensive Player of the Year award. Re-watch our postseason awards show here.

College of Charleston’s Canyon Barry received first-team Academic All-America accolades and Northeastern guard David Walker was chosen as the Most Valuable Player at the NABC College All-Star game in Houston.

Be sure to check back next Tuesday (July 5) for the best performances from men’s and women’s tennis. Tell us your favorite moments from the 2015-16 season on Twitter (@CAASports) and using #CAAMoments.