UNCW’s men were voted third and the women selected second in the CAA basketball preseason polls Oct. 29.

The Seahawk men were six points behind a veteran George Mason squad. The two, along with second-place VCU were grouped together as the league’s top three, in the media members’ poll. Far behind were grouped fourth-place Delaware and Drexel. The media rounded out their prognostications with Old Dominion, Hofstra, James Madison, William & Mary and Towson.

The CAA’s head coaches voted in the women’s poll. ODU took nine of the 10 first-place votes, followed by UNCW, then GMU and Delaware. JMU, VCU, Hofstra, Drexel, William & Mary and Towson finished up the predictions.

Women’s senior guard Cherie Lea got voted the CAA preseason player of the year. Lea, the only returning player from last year’s All-CAA first team, averaged 13.5 points a game.

Fellow seniors Jennifer Kapper and Tracy Morgan were voted to the All-CAA second team.

Senior Anthony Terrell and sophomore John Goldsberry earned slots on the men’s second team. William & Mary’s Adam Hess was picked the preseason player of the year.

Lane Questionable for Season Opener: UNCW small forward Halston Lane, who suffered a 30-percent tear in his right achillies tendon, is a question mark for the squad’s Nov. 21 opener against Marshall.The transfer from Ga. Tech has struggled with injuries for a year.

Brownell inducted into alma mater’s Hall of Fame: Second-year men’s head coach Brad Brownell was inducted into Depauw University’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Halloween weekend.

The ceremony took place on the campus in Greencastle, Ind. school. With Brownell playing point guard, Depauw finished as NCAA Division III runner-up in 1990.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your alma mater for something you did such a long time ago,” said Brownell.

Justus named to NCAA Committee: UNCW senior basketball player Joel Justus has been named to the NCAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Justus will represent the entire CAA and will attend three meetings of the NCAA’s Management Council. The group will congregate in Nashville, Ind.; however, the site has yet to be determined.

“This is a tremendous honor for Joel,” said UNCW Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes. “We are confident he will represent the CAA with a strong voice and solid-decision-making skills.’

Exhibition Game Nov. 11: After the Nov. 4 exhibition game against Mount Olive College, the Seahawks have to begin preparing for another preseason opponent.

The Branch West All-Stars will take on UNCW Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in Trask Coliseum. The Orange, Calif.-based All-Stars are coached by Bob Gottlieb and feature a host of former collegiate standouts.

“Branch West gives us an opportunity to play against some talented former college players and should provide a good opportunity to evaluate our players closer to the start of the season,” said Brownell.

Former Seahawks invade Europe: Former UNCW standout Brett Blizzard is playing his professional ball in Italy and from accounts is playing rather well. “Brett seems to be adjusting to life away from Wilmington,” said Brownell. “The style over there (in Italy) is a little different, more individualistic, but Brett is doing fine. In fact he’s actually playing some point guard.”

Former women’s squad standout Shameka Montgomery is playing professionally in Aveiro, Portugal. Montgomery is playing on the Grupo Desportivo Da Gafhana team.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” said Montgomery. “I have the opportunity to focus on my game and develop both personally and professionally.”

Seahawks to play exhibition game Nov. 6: The women’s takes on Premier Players from Tampa, Fla. Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in Trask Coliseum.