CHARLOTTE, NC (October 7, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation's oldest historically Black athletic conference, tipped off the 2025–26 basketball season at its annual Media Day in Baltimore, MD, unveiling the Predicted Orders of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Teams for men's and women's basketball. 

The event, hosted Under Armour Headquarters, brought together coaches, student-athletes, and media to preview another highly anticipated season. 

Men's Basketball Outlook 
On the men's side, Virginia State University headlines the preseason rankings at No. 1, fueled by veteran leader Jacob Cooper and key transfer Amare Wimbush (formerly of Bowie State). Claflin University lands at No. 2 behind transfer Xavier Tubbs-Matthews, while Fayetteville State is No. 3, strengthened by preseason picks Larry Howell (Bluefield State transfer) and sharpshooter Ezekiel Cannedy. 

Virginia Union enters at No. 4, led by interior force Bobby Gardner, and Lincoln (PA) rounds out the top five with All-CIAA center Kesean Shillingford anchoring the Lions. 

Johnson C. Smith's Jamauri Bryant (No. 6) and Livingstone's James Nipper (No. 10) add depth to an impressive preseason team, while Shaw's Avery Huggins gives the Bears (No. 7) a proven frontcourt presence. ]

Men's Predicted Order of Finish: 
1. Virginia State 
2. Claflin 
3. Fayetteville State 
4. Virginia Union 
5. Lincoln (PA) 
6. Johnson C. Smith 
7. Shaw 
8. Bluefield State 
9. Bowie State 
10. Livingstone 
11. Elizabeth City State 
12. Winston-Salem State 

Men's Preseason All-CIAA Team: 

• Amare Wimbush (Virginia State) – A high-scoring forward and transfer from Bowie State, expected to make an immediate impact. 

• Larry Howell (Fayetteville State) – A powerful post presence who transferred from Bluefield State, bringing strength inside. 

• Jacob Cooper (Virginia State) – A steady veteran and emotional leader, the floor general for the Trojans. 

• Xavier Tubbs-Matthews (Claflin) – A versatile scorer and transfer from Elizabeth City State, bringing firepower to the Panthers. 

• Ezekiel Cannedy (Fayetteville State) – A sharpshooter who stretches defenses and provides instant offense. 

• Avery Huggins (Shaw) – An energetic forward with a tough inside game, one of the Bears' anchors. 

• Bobby Gardner (Virginia Union) – A consistent force in the paint, known for his physical presence and rebounding. 

• James Nipper (Livingstone) – A confident guard with strong scoring instincts, a key returner for the Blue Bears. 

• Jamauri Bryant (Johnson C. Smith) – An explosive playmaker who broke out last season and is primed for more. 

• Jaquantae Harris (Elizabeth City State) – A quick guard who controls tempo and sets the tone for the Vikings' offense. 

General Admission tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championship Tournament taking place February 24–28, 2026 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD.  All single session, packages and group tickets are available NOW.  First come, first served tickets are available HERE.    

The 2025–2026 season is expected to showcase a balance of experience and new talent throughout the CIAA. Every program has pieces in place to contend, ensuring a competitive path to the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament. This year's tournament will once again be held in Baltimore, Maryland, continuing a celebrated partnership with Visit Baltimore.