Lying on the floor at mid-court of the Gaylord Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Brad Brownell’s mind was spinning. After witnessing a miraculous, buzzer-beating shot by Maryland’s Drew Nicholas that thwarted UNCW’s come-from-behind upset bid in the first round of the 2003 NCAA tournament, Brownell couldn’t believe it all. Yes, a chance to win his first ever NCAA tournament game as a head coach had just slipped through his fingers, but he probably just couldn’t believe that his dream season was over.

In his first year as a college basketball head coach, he had already accomplished more than many ever accomplish. Brownell had just led the UNCW men’s basketball team to its most successful season in school history and to a 24-7 overall record, finishing 18-3 in the CAA. The Seahawks were CAA regular season champions and tournament champions, and to go along with all that, Brownell was named CAA Coach of the Year.

It was a magical rookie season for Brownell, a season that set a high standard of excellence to which every Brad Brownell basketball team will constantly be compared. It was a rookie coaching season that almost seemed too easy, with senior players like Brett Blizzard and Craig Callahan carrying the team.

But with the flick of the Maryland guard’s wrist and a swish of the basket’s net, it was all over. Brownell pulled himself off the floor, shook Maryland coach Gary William’s hand, and realized that he was proud of his guys and of himself. His first year of coaching was over, and it was time for year two.

Brownell wasn’t as fortunate in his second year as the Seahawks struggled to find an offensive leader and a go-to guy. The team finished with a record of 15-15 overall and 11-10 in the CAA, nowhere near the success of the previous year. The team did, however, play excellent defense, but poor shooting accounted for losses in many close games. For Brownell, it was a story of two very different seasons, and as his third season as UNCW head basketball coach arrives, Brownell feels his program is on its way back to its previous year’s form.

“Last year was a transition year for us.  We had relied on Blizzard and Callahan for so long; we had to start doing things differently,” said Brownell. “We are still in that transition phase, but the guys are now more confident and ready to step up their roles.”

So what is to be expected when you enter Trask Coliseum for the first men’s basketball game this year? Expect a young, but experienced, competitive basketball team. Without a doubt, expect 100% hustle and suffocating defense, which have become the signature elements for Brownell’s teams. “There is no question we put a high priority on defense,” stated Brownell, “It separates us from other teams and we wear it as a badge of honor.” 

Last but not least, expect excitement. Trask Coliseum has become one of the toughest gyms for opponents to play in because of the crowd’s intensity. As Brownell has noticed, “We have the best fans in the league.  Our students are active and knowledgeable and the community has really embraced us.  The atmosphere in Trask is as good as anywhere.”

“The games are so much fun and the fans are always energetic.” says sophomore fan Stacie Brookshire. “They are always there to cheer on the team no matter what. Seahawk fans are true to their team.”