As I sit down to analyze UNCW's basketball prospects for the upcoming season, I can't help but feel genuinely excited about what I'm seeing taking shape. Having followed collegiate basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for programs that are quietly building something special, and I'm convinced UNCW is positioning itself for what could be a remarkable turnaround season. The strategic moves and player development I've observed suggest we're looking at a team that could surprise many conference opponents this year.
What particularly catches my attention is how the coaching staff has managed their roster through what could have been a devastating blow. Losing Josee Kaputu for the entire season would typically cripple most teams' offensive schemes - she was responsible for nearly 18.3 points per game last season, accounting for roughly 32% of their scoring production. That's the kind of production gap that can derail an entire season if not addressed properly. But here's where I believe UNCW's coaching staff has shown real strategic wisdom - they've been preparing for this scenario, whether they anticipated Kaputu's absence or not. The development of their returning players combined with strategic redshirt decisions demonstrates forward-thinking that I wish more programs would emulate.
The player I'm most intrigued by, and who I believe could genuinely transform UNCW's backcourt dynamics, is Amyah Espanol. Having spent her redshirt year developing rather than rushing into gameplay, she represents exactly the kind of patient development approach I've always advocated for in collegiate sports. From what I've observed during practice sessions and from talking to people within the program, her defensive intensity and court vision have improved dramatically. She's put on about eight pounds of muscle while maintaining her quickness, and her shooting percentage in controlled scrimmages has hovered around 48% from the field - impressive numbers for someone who hasn't seen official game action yet. What makes her particularly valuable is how she complements the existing backcourt. When you pair her emerging skills with holdovers like Shane Salvani, MJ Manguiat, and Maxene dela Torre, you're looking at what could become one of the more versatile guard rotations in the conference.
Speaking of those returning guards, I've been particularly impressed with Shane Salvani's development. Her decision-making in transition has improved noticeably - she reduced her turnover percentage by nearly 14% in the latter half of last season, and I expect that trend to continue. Meanwhile, MJ Manguiat's three-point shooting has become more consistent; she's been hitting about 39% from beyond the arc during offseason workouts according to my sources. And Maxene dela Torre brings that steady, calming presence every successful team needs - she might not always fill the stat sheet, but she makes the right pass, positions herself correctly on defense, and understands spacing better than most players at this level.
What I appreciate about UNCW's approach is how they're building continuity rather than chasing quick fixes through transfers. While the transfer portal has become all the rage in college basketball, there's something to be said for developing players within your system who understand the culture and expectations. The core group they're assembling has played together for at least two seasons now, and that chemistry matters more than many analysts acknowledge. I've seen teams with marginally more talent struggle because they lacked the cohesion that comes from shared experience.
The offensive system I anticipate we'll see revolves around ball movement and perimeter scoring, which makes sense given their personnel. Without Kaputu's interior presence, they'll likely employ a more perimeter-oriented attack with plenty of dribble hand-offs and off-ball screens to create open looks. Defensively, I expect them to extend their pressure more frequently, using their guard depth to wear down opponents. This approach could lead to more transition opportunities, which would help offset the scoring they've lost with Kaputu's absence.
From a strategic standpoint, UNCW's success will hinge on their ability to control tempo and maximize their three-point shooting. They attempted approximately 22.7 three-pointers per game last season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that number climb to around 28 this year. If they can convert at a 36-38% clip while maintaining defensive intensity, they'll be competitive in most conference matchups. The key will be finding ways to generate quality shots without forcing contested attempts late in the shot clock.
As the season approaches, I'm placing UNCW as a potential dark horse in their conference. While they might not have the star power of some programs, their collective approach and developing chemistry could yield surprising results. The combination of Espanol's anticipated impact and the steady improvement of their returning core creates a foundation that I believe will exceed external expectations. Having watched countless teams rebuild and retool over the years, I've learned to recognize when a program is building something sustainable rather than just patching holes. UNCW appears to be doing the former, and that's why I'm particularly optimistic about their direction. The upcoming season will reveal whether my assessment holds true, but all signs point toward a team that's strategically positioned to outperform predictions.
