WILLIAMSBURG — Evidence that Brian Earl’s first season as William & Mary men’s basketball coach was a success is Coastal Athletic Association coaches picking the Tribe fourth in 2025-26, same as last year’s surprising finish.

That speaks volumes, because the Tribe (17-15 overall) graduated four starters and lost a couple of key reserves. After watching Earl’s first W&M team improve to 11-7 in the CAA, from 4-12 the season before his arrival — the sixth-best improvement nationally — opposing coaches apparently believe Earl can reload to fit his style.

His frenetic style features a deep rotation of at least 10 players, lots of 3-point shooting and assisted baskets, balanced scoring and full-court pressure. CAA coaches saw W&M’s defense improve significantly, as it ranked second in conferen

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