NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Caldwell University men's basketball, under the direction of fifth-year Head Coach Dean Johnson, has been selected to finish tied for third in the preseason poll of Central Atlantic Athletic Conference (CACC) coaches, the league announced today. Caldwell received two first-place votes.

Johnson's Cougars return eight letterwinners, including three starters, and welcome one transfer and eight freshman to the 2026-27 squad. 

Caldwell (15-15 overall, 12-8 in CACC play last year) is led by returning regulars in senior guard Jaiden Williams (New York) and Isaiah Philbert (Bronx, N.Y.), junior guards Tristan Rogers (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Todd Rochelle (Laurelton, N.Y.). 

The Cougars open at the CACC/NE10 Conference Challenge at Bentley University vs. Southern New Hampshire on Nov. 14 and the hosts on Nov. 15.

For the second straight year, the CACC will function as a single standings table, with a double round-robin schedule through the season. The top eight teams will advance to the CACC Tournament, with the top four hosting first round games on March 2. 

Holy Family University's Campus Center Gymnasium will serve as host site for the Championship Semifinals and Finals, March 6-7.

2026-27 CACC MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Jefferson (4), 90 points
2. Felician (4), 85
3t. Caldwell (2), 72
3t. Goldey-Beacom, 72
5. Post (1), 64
6. Dominican, 62
7. Holy Family, 51
8. Bridgeport, 35
9. Wilmington, 30
10. Chestnut Hill, 25
11. Georgian Court, 19

() - First-Place Votes