MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Following a historic run to the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship game last season, the Chowan University men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 campaign with high expectations. The Hawks were selected second in the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, released Thursday, October  29th, placing them among the league's top contenders heading into the new season.

The league's head coaches selected UNC Pembroke as the preseason favorite, with the Braves collecting nine first-place votes and 219 points. Chowan followed closely in second with 201 points and four first-place votes, while defending tournament champion Young Harris received three first-place votes and 197 points to rank third.

Emmanuel University placed fourth with 172 points, followed by North Greenville University in fifth with 158 points. Barton College (150), Francis Marion University (129), the University of Mount Olive (115), Southern Wesleyan University (103) and Belmont Abbey College (102) rounded out the top 10.

King University (99), Converse University (95), Ferrum College (61), Lees-McRae College (53), Shorter University (51) and Erskine College (15) completed the 16-team poll. The preseason poll was voted on by the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own programs.

Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

	School	Points (First Place)
1	UNC Pembroke	219 (9)
2	Chowan	201 (4)
3	Young Harris	197 (3)
4	Emmanuel	172
5	North Greenville	158
6	Barton	150
7	Francis Marion	129
8	Mount Olive	115
9	Southern Wesleyan	103
10	Belmont Abbey	102
11	King	99
12	Converse	95
13	Ferrum	61
14	Lees-McRae	53
15	Shorter	51
16	Erskine	15

 

Building on a Historic Season

Chowan enters the new season looking to build on one of the most successful postseason runs in program history. The Hawks finished the 2025-26 campaign with an 18-14 overall record and a 13-7 mark in Conference Carolinas play, advancing to the conference championship game for the first time in program history.

The Hawks established themselves as one of the conference's more productive offensive teams, averaging 83.1 points per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point range. Chowan also averaged 39.3 rebounds and 14.0 assists per contest, demonstrating their ability to score from multiple areas while creating opportunities through ball movement and work on the glass.

Defensively, Chowan averaged 4.7 blocks per game and held opponents to 78.9 points per contest. The Hawks out rebounded their opponents by an average of 3.0 rebounds per game and finished the season with a positive scoring margin of 4.2 points per contest.

Those numbers provide a promising foundation for 2026-27. Chowan returns key contributors who have already experienced the demands of conference play and postseason competition, giving the Hawks a foundation of familiarity as they integrate new players into the lineup. Maintaining their offensive efficiency, rebounding production and defensive presence will be important as they look to remain competitive in a conference featuring several experienced programs.

With a combination of returning leadership, experienced transfers and an incoming freshman class that has adjusted quickly to the collegiate environment, the Hawks will look to translate last season's postseason experience into another successful campaign.

Players to Watch

Chowan is represented by three student-athletes on the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Players to Watch list: senior forward Damerius Summers, senior guard/forward Joseph Lezeau II and sophomore guard Markell Hollis.

Damerius Summers | Senior | Forward

A native of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Summers returns as Chowan's leading scorer after averaging 16.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign. He finished the season with 515 points while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and earned a place on the All-Conference Carolinas First Team for his performance.

Summers' scoring efficiency and presence in the front court make him an important returning piece for the Hawks. His experience within the program and familiarity with the coaching staff's system provide additional value as Chowan prepares for another competitive conference schedule.

Entering his senior season, Summers will be expected to contribute as a leader on and off the court while helping guide a roster that features both returning players and new additions. With his ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass, Summers will be a key part of Chowan's efforts to maintain its offensive production and compete for another postseason opportunity.

Joseph Lezeau II | Senior | Guard/Forward

Lezeau, a native of Port St. Lucie, Florida, returns for his senior season after contributing on both ends of the floor during the 2025-26 campaign. He averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across 31 appearances, finishing the season with 300 points and 133 rebounds.

After working through injuries earlier in his collegiate career, Lezeau emerged as a contributor for the Hawks last season. His experience within the program and understanding of the team's expectations provide valuable continuity heading into 2026-27.

Lezeau's versatility gives Chowan another experienced option in the backcourt and on the wing. As he enters his fourth year with the program, his ability to contribute offensively, defend multiple positions and provide leadership will be important as the Hawks work to build on last season's championship-game appearance.

Markell Hollis | Sophomore | Guard

Hollis posted an impressive freshman season, establishing himself as one of Chowan's emerging offensive and defensive contributors. The Gaffney, South Carolina, native averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, finishing with 389 points in 32 appearances.

Hollis demonstrated his scoring potential throughout the season, including a career-high 30-point performance against Southern Wesleyan. He also recorded 40 steals and 24 blocked shots, highlighting his ability to make an impact beyond scoring.

His combination of perimeter scoring, midrange shooting and defensive activity gives the Hawks a versatile option as he enters his sophomore season. With a full collegiate season behind him, Hollis will look to build on his freshman success, take on an expanded role and continue developing into a key contributor for Chowan.

A New Season, A Blend of Experience and Youth

While the Hawks return several important contributors, the 2026-27 roster also features new faces who will help shape the team's identity.

The returning group provides continuity through Summers, Lezeau, Hollis and senior guard Israel Powell, who averaged 8.1 points per game last season. Senior Damien Robinson will be an important presence in the frontcourt, using his versatility to defend players of all sizes in the post while bringing energy to both ends of the floor. Robinson looks to remain a threat offensively while protecting the rim and providing a defensive presence for the Hawks. Sophomore forward/center Dapo Kruyswijk also returns after appearing in all 32 games during his freshman campaign. Senior forwards Amari Gorham and Martinie Kamga bring additional experience to the frontcourt, while Cristian Rosado enters his sophomore season adding depth to the guard rotation.

Chowan's incoming talent adds experience and depth across the roster. Transfers Jordan Clayton, Keshaun Johnson and Mekhi Reid bring previous collegiate experience from California University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Peninsula Community College and Norfolk State University, respectively. Their backgrounds in college basketball give the Hawks additional options as they work to establish their roles within the program.

The incoming freshman class also provides an opportunity to strengthen the team's depth and long-term development. Jackson Pait, Joshua Rice, Tylik McCall and Lawson Brown join the program as the Hawks look to integrate young talent into an experienced collegiate environment.

The newcomers have adjusted quickly to the program, helping establish a foundation for the season ahead. Their continued development, alongside the leadership of the returning players, will be an important factor as Chowan navigates a demanding schedule.

With a mix of veteran experience, returning production and emerging young talent, the Hawks will look to develop their chemistry early and carry the lessons of last season's postseason run into another competitive campaign.

Coaching Staff

Head coach Rob Burke enters his sixth season leading the Chowan men's basketball program, bringing 26 years of coaching experience across multiple levels of collegiate basketball. A 1999 Chowan graduate, Burke returned to his alma mater in 2021 and has helped establish the Hawks as a consistent contender in Conference Carolinas.

During his first five seasons, Burke compiled 78 victories, including three seasons with at least 18 wins. His tenure has featured continued postseason progress, highlighted by a 20-win campaign in 2023-24 and the program's first appearance in the Conference Carolinas championship game in 2025-26.

In addition to his responsibilities on the court, Burke was appointed Chowan's Director of Athletics in March 2026 while continuing to lead the men's basketball program. His experience at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels, along with his background in junior college basketball, provides a broad foundation for the program's continued development.

As the Hawks prepare for another season, Burke will look to build on last year's championship-game appearance while maintaining the competitive culture and commitment to player development that have shaped his tenure.

Associate head coach Alex Lewis enters his third season with the Hawks after being promoted from assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Since joining the program in July 2024, Lewis has played an important role in player development, program identity and the growth of the team's developmental program.

During his first two seasons, Chowan compiled a 36-24 overall record and a 27-13 mark in Conference Carolinas play, advancing to the conference championship game for the first time in program history last season. Lewis has also helped guide the developmental program, providing student-athletes with opportunities to improve their skills and prepare for the demands of collegiate competition.

Lewis brings experience coaching at the high school, preparatory school, junior college and NCAA levels. His background in skill development and his ability to connect with student-athletes have made him an important part of the Hawks' coaching staff. His promotion recognizes his contributions to the program and provides him with an expanded role in its continued development.

Graduate assistant coach Harrison Black joins the staff for the 2026-27 season, bringing collegiate playing experience and a background in strength, conditioning and player development. Black recently completed his playing career at Mary Baldwin University after previously competing at Austin Peay State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science in May 2026 and has experience working with young athletes through training sessions, basketball camps and skill-development activities.

At Chowan, Black contributes to the program's player-development efforts by assisting with workouts and supporting the developmental team. His experience as a collegiate student-athlete, combined with his background in athletic training and instruction, provides an additional resource for players as they work to improve their skills and adjust to the demands of college basketball.

His involvement also strengthens the connection between the developmental program and the varsity team, supporting the continued growth of the Hawks' younger players.

Together, Burke, Lewis and Black provide a combination of collegiate coaching experience, player-development expertise and an emphasis on building a strong program culture. As Chowan enters the 2026-27 season, their collective work will be important in integrating newcomers, developing returning players and preparing the Hawks for another competitive run in Conference Carolinas.

Ahead of the 2026-27 Season

Chowan opens the 2026-27 campaign on the road at the Conference Challenge in Hickory, North Carolina. The Hawks will face tournament host Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m., before taking on Tusculum University on Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m.

The Hawks will return home to host Wingate University on Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m., at the Hawks Athletic Center on Bob Burke Court. Chowan will then open Conference Carolinas play on the road against Erskine College on Saturday, November 21, at 4 p.m.

The remainder of November features a home matchup against Elizabeth City State University on November 24, followed by the Francis Marion Tournament in Florence, South Carolina. Chowan will face Catawba College on November 28 and Columbus State University on November 29.

Conference play continues in December, beginning with a road matchup against Wingate on December 2. The Hawks will then host Shorter University on December 5 and Ferrum College on December 12, with both games scheduled for 4 p.m. Chowan closes out its December road swing against King University on December 15 and Augusta State on December 17 before returning home to host Mount Olive on December 19.

The Hawks resume conference play in January with home contests against Francis Marion on January 6 and Southern Wesleyan on January 9. A three-game road stretch follows against UNC Pembroke, North Greenville and Barton on January 13, 16 and 20, respectively.

Chowan returns home to face Converse University on January 23 before traveling to Francis Marion on January 26. The Hawks will close out January at home against Belmont Abbey on January 30.

February begins with a home matchup against UNC Pembroke on February 3, followed by road games against Young Harris on February 6 and Mount Olive on February 10. The Hawks then host Lees-McRae College on February 13 before traveling to Ferrum on February 17 and Emmanuel University on February 20.

Chowan concludes its regular-season schedule at home against Barton College on Wednesday, February 24. The 7 p.m. matchup will also serve as Senior Day, providing an opportunity to recognize the Hawks' graduating student-athletes.

Conference Carolinas Championship

The 2027 Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship begins with preliminary-round games on February 28 and March 1. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-seeded teams will host the opening rounds, with the seventh through 12th seeds competing for the opportunity to advance.

The championship quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, March 5, at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, followed by the semifinals on Saturday, March 6. The men's and women's championship games are scheduled for Sunday, March 7.

After reaching the championship game for the first time in program history last season, Chowan will look to carry that experience into the 2026-27 campaign and compete for another opportunity to contend for the Conference Carolinas title.