Donovan Newby, the 2025 Coastal Athletic Association Tournament Most Outstanding Player, has returned to the UNCW men’s basketball program as the Director of Player Personnel, as announced by head coach Takayo Siddle on Wednesday afternoon.
Newby joins the Seahawk staff over a year after guiding UNCW to its league-record seventh CAA Tournament Championship in 2025. The All-CAA guard played three seasons in Wilmington from 2022-25 after two years at UW-Milwaukee.
In his role, Newby will assist the coaching staff in all facets of the program, including player development, scouting, talent evaluation and recruiting.
“We are beyond grateful to welcome Donovan back to our staff. While he had an exceptional playing career, his impact off the court was just as significant,” said Siddle. “When we talk about ‘our kind of guys’, Donovan is at the top of that list.
“Having experienced the same challenges and helped capture a CAA Championship, he brings instant credibility with our players. His character, leadership, and firsthand experience will make him an invaluable addition to our program.”
A native of Chicago Heights, Ill., Newby scored 1,369 points across five seasons between the Panthers and Seahawks. He scored a staggering 1,005 points in just three campaigns with the Port City program.
The 6-1 guard totaled 72 victories at UNCW, including three straight seasons of 20 or more wins (24 in 2022-23, 21 in 2023-24 and 27 in 2024-25). Additionally, Newby helped the Seahawks to the 2022 Baha Mar Nassau Championships as well as the de facto championship in the inaugural Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic at Trask Coliseum in 2024.
Newby authored one of the finest seasons in program history in 2024-25 as the lone Seahawk to start all 35 games on his way to All-CAA, All-Region, and CAA Tournament MOP honors. Newby averaged 14.4 points while reaching double figures 25 times, including eight 20-point efforts and a pair of 30-point games.
The sharpshooter poured in a career-high 33 points in a double-digit comeback win vs. Georgia Southern on Nov. 8, 2024, and then matched a program record with eight three-pointers made in a road contest at Hofstra on Jan. 11, 2025.
“I came back to UNCW because this program shaped me into more than just a player—it helped me grow into the man I am today,” said Newby. “Being part of a CAA championship team and experiencing March Madness here created lifelong memories, but more importantly, the relationships and lessons I gained in Wilmington left a lasting impact on me.
“The city, the coaching staff, and the culture embraced me and pushed me to develop on and off the court. Coming back gives me the opportunity to pour that same energy, guidance, and belief into the next generation of players, helping them chase success while growing as individuals, just like I did.”
Newby dominated the 2025 CAA Tournament with 16.6 ppg, highlighted by a 24-point effort with five three-pointers in a 68-67 semifinal win vs. Charleston.
He followed up his heroics with 17 points in the championship win against Delaware, including draining four free throws in the final 13 seconds to seal the 76-72 verdict and send the Seahawks back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in eight years.
A career 87.3 percent shooter from the charity stripe, Newby shot a perfect 18-of-18 in the CAA tournament and did not miss a free throw over the final six games of his career, including sinking a pair against Texas Tech in the NCAA First Round.
Newby joins assistant coach Craig Ponder on staff as UNCW men’s basketball player alums. Ponder is the lone Seahawk to win a league championship both as a player (2016) and coach (2025).
