With league play tipping off around the CAA this week, we had to invite Brian Mull on for his first episode of the year.

First, we break down UNCW's loss to Arkansas to wrap up the nonconference slate, and what the Seahawks should take from their 9-3 run  in November and December.

From there, we dive into every level of #CAAHoops, from title contenders to the struggling teams who have a chance to make a leap. Brian gives us his thoughts on what's different with Charleston, why he likes Monmouth, and the challenges Drexel provides on Thursday night and beyond.

Finally, we wrapped things up with your questions and reminisced on some of Brian's favorite tales from the beat, touched on ‘Fargo, Directory Assistance’ and paid homage to the Great 80 Day Coaching Search of 2010. You'll definitely want to hear who ALMOST took over the job back then.

Brian served as the UNCW beat writer at the Star-News starting in 2006 and stuck around for the Benny Moss and Buzz Peterson eras. He lives in Wilmington and covers college hoops nationwide, with his work appearing in places like College Insider and The Athletic. 

Follow him on Twitter/X at @BGMull for his musings on UNCW, CAA basketball and mid-major hoops in general.

The Dean of #CAAHoops Media feat. Brian Mull

It’s gameday for the Seahawks, as UNCW heads west to visit in-state rival Elon tonight at Schar Center. 

This is the first of two Perchcast episodes we’ll have this week, focused on last week’s victories over Monmouth and Delaware, then previewing what to expect tonight vs. the Phoenix.

We’ll have an Elon review/Charleston preview ready for your enjoyment on Friday morning.

Our guest this week is Jason Lanier, an original member of The Hecklers who remains involved with the Seahawk Club and recently led the efforts to produce the #ShyTime t-shirt.

There’s nobody out there that cares more about UNCW than Jason, and it was fun to chat with him about the good ol’ days in Richmond and also the good now days. We’ve got more merch coming your way soon, so be on the lookout.

Included in this episode…

- Did UNCW really ‘learn’ physicality from its first two games?

- Monmouth tried to punk us in Trask, didn’t they?

- A major improvement on defense in a matter of a week.

- The coaching staff made an effort to get Maleeck Harden-Hayes involved early, and it worked!

- Should Shemar Rathan-Mayes be playing more and/or should Donovan Newby be playing less?

- Are the Seahawks a better 3-point shooting team than they’ve shown lately?

- Is the old CAA making a comeback this season?

Hangin' Tough feat. Jason Lanier

After an incredible Saturday night in Trask Coliseum, we asked WWAY Sports Director Jake Eichstaedt to join us to give his perspective on UNCW’s victory over Charleston and the atmosphere and hype surrounding the rivalry.

In addition, we covered Thursday night’s visit to Northeastern + Saturday’s trip to Stony Brook.

Among the other topics we discussed this week:
KJ Jenkins is getting comfortable, and it’s a game-hanger for the Seahawks. || Our students and our team loved the postgame scene; thus, it was good and cool. || UNCW moves to No. 1 nationally in turnover rate. What exactly does that mean? || How in the world did Ante Brzovic originally end up at a D2 program? || 
Ahmard Harvey keeps showing flashes of what he can give this team down the stretch with his energy and knack for finding the ball, and man, are we excited. || Gritty performances — especially on defense — from guys like Nolan Hodge, Noah Ross and Khamari McGriff. || A brilliant, signature performance from Shykeim Phillips. It’s time to start talking about #2TheRafters, and not only because he’s an incredible player. || The changing local media landscape and the many hats Jake wears in covering UNCW + local sports. || Your questions, our possibly useful answers!

We are #ProCourtStorm feat. Jake Eichstaedt

Sometimes smart, sometimes silly —  always Seahawks.

Perchcast is a weekly show focused on the people and stories of UNCW athletics with a strong emphasis toward men's basketball. We aim to go deeper than the headlines and tweets, and use interviews, analytics and occasionally the eye-test to connect fans with the Seahawks.

New tracks tagged #HoopState