2026-27 Men's Hoops Roster Continues to Take Shape

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCW men's basketball head coach Takayo Siddle continues to build the 2026-27 roster with the additions of combo forward Tyler Nelson and guard Tahlan Pettway, as announced on Thursday.

Nelson, a native of Charlotte, N.C., spent four seasons at Navy from 2019-23 before fulfilling his service contract for the previous three years. The 6-7, 220-pound forward has played competitively in the United States Armed Forces basketball league.

"Tyler had an outstanding career at the Naval Academy. After serving our country as a Naval officer, he will bring experience and maturity to our program," said Siddle, who will enter his seventh season as UNCW's bench boss in 2026-27. "Because of his strength and skill set, he will play both forward positions for us. During his active duty, Tyler has played on the All Navy and All USA teams, which has enabled him to continue improving."

Nelson totaled 835 points, 459 rebounds, 78 steals and 65 blocks across 110 games, including 80 starts for the Midshipmen. As a senior in 2022-23, Nelson averaged 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in a career-high 30.4 minutes before commissioning as an officer. He will conclude his naval service this summer.

As a member of the All-USA Team, Nelson traveled to Belgium, where he and the team won gold medals in the SHAPE Tournament, months after earning gold at the All-Armed Forces tournament. The Navy transfer was named to the All-Tournament Team in 2024 and received several MVP and All-Tournament accolades while playing in the service.

Pettway, a 6-2, 165-pound guard, averaged 8.5 points while shooting 39.4 percent (50-of-127) from three-point range at Western Carolina as a freshman. The Worcester, Mass., native started 10 games and appeared in 30 contests while helping the Catamounts to the Semifinals of the Southern Conference Tournament.

"Tahlan embodies all of the values that we look for in a Seahawk. Adding elite point guard play was of high priority during this recruiting cycle, and he certainly checks all of the boxes," said Siddle. "Tahlan's character, talent, work ethic, and leadership ability will impact our program tremendously."

Pettway surpassed double-digits 14 times, including a season-high 24 points at UNC Greensboro on Feb. 18 after he was inserted into the starting lineup for the final six games of the season. The freshman averaged 16.6 points over the final six contests, including 23 points against Furman in the regular season finale and an 18-point, five-rebound, five-assist effort in the SoCon Quarterfinals.

BASKETBALL SEASON TICKET RENEWALS AND DEPOSITS NOW LIVE
Renewals are now available for existing UNCW men's basketball team season ticket accounts for the 2026-27 season.

Current season ticket holders can renew online by signing into their UNCW ticket account here.

Season tickets for the Seahawk men's hoops program vary in price by section and quantities are limited. The Seahawk Club season ticket seat requirement varies by section.

The deadline for men's season ticket renewals is June 3, 2026.

New accounts can place deposits for season tickets now for $25 per seat for men's basketball.

Fans can visit UNCWsports.com/BuyTickets or call the UNCW Athletic Ticket Office at (910) 962-3233.

For more information click here.

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2026-27 Men's Hoops Roster Continues to Take Shape