BALTIMORE, MD — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced its 2025–26 Men's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish during the league's annual media day at the Under Armour Campus in Baltimore. Fayetteville State University was projected to finish third overall, signaling high expectations for the program.
Two Broncos earned spots on the Preseason All-CIAA Team, including returning All-CIAA standouts Ezekiel Cannedy and Larry Howell, both expected to play pivotal roles in Fayetteville State's pursuit of a conference title.
Cannedy, a senior guard, surpassed 1,000 career points last season and finished with 476 points, averaging 15.9 points per game across 30 starts. Known for his clutch play and scoring consistency, Cannedy delivered several standout performances, including a game-winning three-pointer at Claflin on Jan. 25. He shot 88.5 percent from the free-throw line, made 89 three-pointers, and added 85 rebounds, 39 assists, and 48 steals.
Howell, a transfer forward, will make an immediate impact on the Broncos' lineup. Last season, he appeared in 31 games and averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He contributed 138 total rebounds, 42 assists, and 39 steals. His versatility and efficiency on both ends of the floor make him a key addition to the Broncos' frontcourt.
With a mix of veteran leadership and dynamic talent, Fayetteville State enters the 2025–26 season poised to contend for a CIAA championship.
CIAA 2024 Men's Basketball Preseason Team
Frontcourt
- Amare Wimbush, Bowie State - Transferred to VSU**
- Larry Howell, Bluefield State – Transferred to Fayetteville State**
- Jacob Cooper, Virginia State**
- Xavier Tubbs-Matthews, Elizabeth City State - Transferred to Claflin**
- Ezekiel Cannedy, Fayetteville State
- Avery Huggins, Shaw
- Bobby Gardner, Viginia Union
- James Nipper, Livingstone
- Jamauri Bryant, Johnson C. Smith
- Jaquantae Harris, Elizabeth City State
** Returning 2024-25 All-CIAA players
CIAA 2025-26 Men's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
- Virginia State
- Claflin
- Fayetteville State
- Virginia Union
- Lincoln (PA)
- Johnson C. Smith
- Shaw
- Bluefield State
- Bowie State
- Livingstone
- Elizabeth City State
- Winston-Salem State
