Amanda Knapp
The West Georgia Wolves men's basketball team, formerly known as the West Georgia Braves, represents the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. The team has been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1983, but in 2024, they moved to NCAA Division I, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). Due to the NCAA's policy on reclassifying programs, the Wolves will not be eligible to compete in the NCAA tournament or the NIT until the 2028-29 season. The team has had a successful history, with 40 players named to the All Gulf South Teams and 17 players making it to the NCAA All-American Teams. They have appeared in 27 Gulf South Conference Tournaments and 18 NCAA Tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | West Georgia Wolves (formerly the West Georgia Braves) |
| University | University of West Georgia |
| Location | Carrollton, Georgia |
| Division | I |
| Conference | Atlantic Sun (ASUN) |
| Varsity Sports | 17 |
| Previous Conference | Gulf South Conference |
| Basketball Arena | The Coliseum |
| Arena Capacity | 6,475 |
| Arena Construction Cost | $24.7 million |
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What You'll Learn
West Georgia Wolves basketball history
The West Georgia Wolves (UWG Wolves), formerly the West Georgia Braves, are the athletic teams that represent the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. The Wolves compete in NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports and are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) for their 17 varsity sports.
The men's basketball team has been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1983 and will join the Division I Atlantic Sun Conference in 2024. They have had 40 players named to the All Gulf South Teams, 17 players named to NCAA All-American Teams, appeared in 27 Gulf South Conference Tournaments, and 18 NCAA Tournaments. In 1974, the team, coached by Roger Kaiser, won the NAIA National Championship.
The Wolves play their home games at the Coliseum, an on-campus indoor arena that opened in 2009. The arena holds 6,475 spectators and features a two-story lobby, concession stands, and restrooms on the concourse level. The lower level houses the floor of the arena, locker rooms for the basketball and volleyball teams, and a trainer's facility. The Coliseum hosts UWG commencement ceremonies, concerts, and various other events, including the Georgia High School Association Class AAAAA and AAAA boys' and girls' basketball quarterfinal playoffs each year.
The University of West Georgia acquired 250 acres of land in 2003 to build a stadium and athletic complex. Construction began in 2008, and the University Stadium opened in 2009. In October 2014, the stadium hosted its first Top-25 matchup between the #24 UWG Wolves and the #22 UWA Tigers, with UWG winning 26-17.
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The Coliseum, Carrollton, Georgia
The West Georgia Wolves, formerly known as the West Georgia Braves, represent the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia, in NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports. The Wolves compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) across 17 varsity sports, including basketball.
The University of West Georgia's basketball team plays at The Coliseum, an on-campus indoor arena in Carrollton, Georgia. The Coliseum opened in 2009 and cost $24.7 million to construct. The arena has a capacity of 6,475 spectators and features a maple wood floor surrounded by seating and a four-sided video scoreboard suspended over the center court. The concourse level includes a two-story lobby, concession stands, and restrooms, while the lower level houses locker rooms for the basketball and volleyball teams, as well as a trainer's facility. The upper level has three large skyboxes for officials, boosters, and friends of the UWG to gather during events.
The Coliseum is a versatile event space that hosts a variety of events, including UWG commencement ceremonies, concerts, and other activities. It is also the venue for the Georgia High School Association Class AAAAA and AAAA boys' and girls' basketball quarterfinal playoff rounds each year. The arena has hosted the UWG Wolves men's basketball team since they joined the Gulf South Conference in 1983. The team has had notable success, with 40 players named to the All Gulf South Teams, 17 players making it to the NCAA All-American Teams, and appearances in 27 Gulf South Conference Tournaments and 18 NCAA Tournaments. In 1974, the team won the NAIA National Championship under the coaching of Roger Kaiser.
The University of West Georgia's basketball program has a rich history and continues to develop, with The Coliseum providing a modern and well-equipped home court for the team. The arena is an important part of the university's athletic program and contributes to the success of its basketball and other sports teams.
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Transition from Division II to Division I
The University of West Georgia's basketball team, the West Georgia Wolves, is currently in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Wolves compete as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) for their 17 varsity sports.
Prior to 2024, the University of West Georgia had been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1983. During this period, the men's basketball program was a consistent contender, with 40 players named to the All Gulf South Teams, 17 players making it to the NCAA All-American Teams, and appearances in 27 Gulf South Conference Tournaments and 18 NCAA Tournaments.
The transition from Division II to Division I in college basketball involves a significant shift in the level of competition and the resources available. Division I is the highest level of college sports competition in the United States, including many of the largest and most well-known universities and athletic programs. It offers the toughest competition and is the most challenging division to get into and compete in. Division I schools have the largest athletic budgets and provide more scholarships compared to the other division levels.
The transition process from Division II to Division I typically takes three years, as per rules revised in 2025. During this period, teams are not eligible to participate in the NCAA tournament. Some conferences allow transitioning teams to take part in their conference tournaments, while others do not. The transition period may be longer if the team is coming from a different affiliation.
The shifts in conference membership are often driven by schools seeking lucrative media rights deals and more competitive playing partners for their sports programs. In the case of West Georgia, the move to Division I was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the desire for increased competition, better resources, and potential media rights opportunities.
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Gulf South Conference history
The Gulf South Conference (GSC) was founded in 1970 as a football-only league known as the Mid-South Athletic Conference (MSAC). The founding members included Delta State College, Jacksonville State University, Florence State University, the University of Tennessee at Martin, Troy State University, and Livingston University. These members began competing in football during the 1970 fall season (1970–71 school year) but experienced scheduling issues.
In 1971, the MSAC added more sports and was rebranded as the Gulf South Conference, beginning the 1971–72 academic year. Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University joined the GSC during this academic year. The following year, Mississippi College joined the GSC for the 1972–73 academic year.
Over time, the conference membership changed. In 1975, Northwestern State left the GSC to become an NCAA D-II Independent, and in 1979, Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana left the GSC to become NCAA D-II Independents as well. In 1981, Valdosta State College joined the GSC, and in 1983, West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia) became a member, competing in the GSC since then until 2024.
The Gulf South Historical Association, headquartered at Southeastern Louisiana University, consists of colleges and universities in the Gulf South region. It aims to preserve and promote the history and cultures of the Gulf South through scholarly research exchange. The association holds an annual conference, meet-and-greet receptions, and various sessions highlighting cutting-edge research on the region's history and cultures.
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The future of West Georgia basketball
The West Georgia Wolves, formerly the West Georgia Braves, are the athletic teams that represent the University of West Georgia, located in Carrollton, Georgia. The Wolves compete in NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) for their 17 varsity sports, including basketball.
The University of West Georgia's men's basketball program has been a strong contender in the Gulf South Conference since joining in 1983. Over the years, they have had numerous successes, with 40 players named to the All Gulf South Teams, 17 players making it to the NCAA All-American Teams, and appearances in 27 Gulf South Conference Tournaments and 18 NCAA Tournaments. The team even won the NAIA National Championship in 1974.
In 2024, the Wolves will make the significant transition from Division II to Division I in the Atlantic Sun Conference. This move has been contemplated for over a decade, but the timing is now right for West Georgia. The university's president, Brendan Kelly, emphasized that changing circumstances in collegiate athletics, higher education, and evolving student expectations all played a role in the decision.
The move to Division I is expected to bring increased revenue that will exceed expenses, although some costs will naturally rise. For example, the number of football scholarships offered will increase from 36 at Division II to 63 at the FCS level in Division I. The Wolves will not be eligible to compete in the NCAA tournament or the NIT until the 2028-29 season due to the NCAA's policy on reclassifying programs.
Looking forward, the West Georgia Wolves basketball team has a bright future in Division I. With a rich history of success in the Gulf South Conference and a dedicated home crowd at the Coliseum in Carrollton, the team is well-positioned to thrive in their new division. The move to Division I presents new challenges and opportunities for the Wolves, and it will be exciting to see their progress and achievements in the coming years.
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Frequently asked questions
West Georgia Basketball, also known as the West Georgia Wolves, is in Division I.
The team competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).
The West Georgia Wolves joined Division I in 2024.
The team was previously known as the West Georgia Braves.
