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. 

Women's Basketball Outlook 
Fayetteville State University enters the season as the preseason favorite on the women's side, securing the top spot in the predicted order of finish with three players named to the preseason All-CIAA Team: Talia Trotter, KaNyah O'Neal, and Nyah Wilkins. The Broncos' depth and experience make them the early team to beat.  

Virginia State University follows at No. 2, with Head Coach Millette Green's Trojans boasting leadership from standout guard Skylar White. Bowie State sits at No. 3, led by preseason pick Mia Smith, one of the league's most versatile scorers. Virginia Union (No. 4) and Claflin (No. 5, led by preseason honoree Ashari Lewis) round out the top five. 

Other notables include Shaw University, which features a powerful duo in preseason selections D'Ayzha Akinson and Mahogany Collins, and Winston-Salem State, bolstered by rising star Jakaiya Mack. 

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

Women's Preseason All-CIAA Team: 

• Jasmine Jenkins (Bluefield State) – The Big Blue's go-to guard and leading scorer, known for her ability to create offense. 

• Talia Trotter (Fayetteville State) – A versatile scorer and leader, steadying one of the league's deepest rosters. 

• KaNyah O'Neal (Fayetteville State) – A dominant forward who controls the glass and anchors the Broncos inside. 

• Mia Smith (Bowie State) – A skilled shooter and reliable scorer, capable of taking over late-game situations. 

• Nyah Wilkins (Fayetteville State) – A defensive anchor who brings toughness and balance to the Broncos' lineup. 

• Ashari Lewis (Claflin) – A two-way standout who sets the tone for the Panthers with energy and grit. 

• D'Ayzha Akinson (Shaw) – A crafty guard who can score at all three levels and spark momentum. 

• Mahogany Collins (Shaw) – A physical presence inside, one of the CIAA's most consistent rebounders. 

• Kyshonna Brown (Johnson C. Smith) – A veteran guard with playmaking ability and strong leadership. 

• Jakaiya Mack (Winston-Salem State) – A rising star known for her athleticism and dynamic play on both ends.