The Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball team was projected to finish in eighth place in the Sun Belt Conference’s latest preseason coaches’ poll. 

The Chanticleers finished with an overall record of 19-14 last year, and finished with tied losses and wins at 8-8 in Sun Belt Conference play. Head coach Cliff Ellis is entering his 15th season with the men’s basketball team. Ellis is in the top three of most wins by active coaches in all of college basketball.  

Ellis said he stayed drawn to coaching after all this time because of how much he loves the game. 

“I love the game and I like helping kids. I think that’s the biggest thing about it, is helping others,” Ellis said. “I’ve been very blessed, and I think it’s up to me to be a blessing to others and I want to give them the knowledge that I have.” 

Center Essam Mostafa was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team. Mostafa had 13 points a game last season while also grabbing 9.4 rebounds a game. Mostafa will be entering his third season with the team and will be looking to improve his game even more. 

Mostafa said he was ready to step up to be a leader to the younger and newer players on the team. 

“I’m excited to be a leader, but it is going to take all of us to win a championship,” Mostafa said. 

The men’s basketball team will begin their season on Nov. 7 to take on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland at home.