Team History

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball program represents Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. The team has enjoyed a rich history that has seen steady growth and numerous milestones. While they may not be a traditional powerhouse, the Chanticleers have carved out a unique identity in college basketball, marked by grit, determination, and occasional bursts of brilliance on the national stage.

The Chanticleers have competed in the NCAA Division I since 1986, and they currently play in the Sun Belt Conference. Their rise into a recognized mid-major program has been steady, and they continue to push for further success on a national level.

Foundation and Early Years

Coastal Carolina University began its men’s basketball program in 1964, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the leadership of head coach Elton Carriker, the Chanticleers enjoyed early success, making regular appearances in the NAIA District Six Playoffs during the 1970s.

The transition to NCAA Division I play in 1986 brought new challenges. It took the program several seasons to find its footing at the higher level. Despite those early struggles, the Chanticleers remained competitive within the Big South Conference, laying the foundation for the years to come.

Notable Early Achievements

While wins were initially hard to come by in Division I, the program experienced glimpses of promise during its formative years. In 1988, the Chanticleers finished as runners-up in the Big South Conference Tournament, suggesting growth and potential.

The 1990-91 season marked a true breakthrough. The Chanticleers claimed their first-ever Big South regular-season championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, their inaugural appearance. This achievement stands as a significant milestone in the team’s ascension.

Periods of Change

The 21st century ushered in significant transformations for the Chanticleers. The hiring of head coach Buzz Peterson in 2001 sparked a period of sustained success and heightened prominence in the Big South Conference. His leadership and recruiting acumen propelled the Chanticleers on several impressive NCAA Tournament runs.

In 2014, Coastal Carolina made the transition to a new conference, joining the Sun Belt Conference. This move has brought fresh challenges as the Chanticleers look to gain the same level of consistent success in a tougher competitive environment.

Championships and Achievements

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have a history marked by several conference titles and postseason appearances:

Big South Regular Season Championships: 1990-91, 2004-05, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15

Big South Tournament Championships: 1991, 2014, 2015

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 1991, 1993, 2014, 2015

Current Roster

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers basketball team for the 2023-24 season boasts a diverse roster with players from a variety of backgrounds, showcasing a mix of experience and fresh talent. Key players include Brayon Freeman, a junior guard from Oxon Hill, Md., bringing experience from Rhode Island and George Washington, and Braeden MacVicar, a freshman forward from Port Williams, Nova Scotia, highlighting the team’s international flavor.

Other notable players are Jon Sanders, a junior guard from Detroit, Mich., with experience from East Los Angeles College, and graduate student John Ojiako, a center from Lagos, Nigeria, who has played for George Mason and Virginia Tech. The team also features Miroslav Stafl, a graduate center from Liberec, Czech Republic, contributing to the team’s height and experience with a background from Central Michigan and Hartford

Management and Coaching Staff

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers basketball team’s management and coaching staff are led by Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach Benny Moss. Moss, alongside a dedicated team of assistant coaches and support staff, plays a crucial role in the development and strategy of the team. The assistant coaches include Nima Omidvar, Joey Brooks, and Matt Hurt, with Matt Hurt also serving as the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations. Additionally, Warren Gillis holds the position of Assistant Coach/Director of Player Development, emphasizing the team’s commitment to nurturing talent both on and off the court.

The support staff is rounded out by Volunteer Assistant Coach Daniel Waln, who contributes to the team’s development and operational needs. This collective group of professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Chanticleers, fostering an environment geared towards success and player growth. Their backgrounds and expertise are instrumental in preparing the team for competition at the highest levels, emphasizing skills development, strategy, and teamwork.

Home Stadium Information

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers play their home games at the HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center, an on-campus arena located in Conway, South Carolina. The arena has a capacity of approximately 3,300, creating an intimate and energetic atmosphere for Chanticleer fans.

The HTC Center provides a modern, well-equipped home base for the Chanticleers basketball program, contributing to their competitive efforts. The arena has undergone renovations in recent years, further enhancing the game-day experience for both players and fans.