East Carolina University has landed a major addition to its men’s basketball roster, securing a commitment from junior college point guard Corey Caulker. After making Caulker a top target this offseason, the Pirates’ persistence paid off as he chose ECU over several other notable programs.
Caulker, a 6-foot, 180-pound floor general from Sterling, Virginia, most recently played at Eastern Florida State College, where he posted strong numbers in the 2024–25 season. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 35.6% from three and 76.8% from the free-throw line. His 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio underscored his control and maturity as a primary ball handler.
Before Eastern Florida, Caulker starred at Northern Virginia Community College, where he averaged an impressive 23.8 points per game as a freshman. His time at two competitive junior college programs helped shape him into a well-rounded and reliable leader on the court.
Head coach Michael Schwartz praised Caulker’s character and impact potential, saying:
“Corey embodies true winning intangibles. He’s a terrific student and a terrific teammate. He’s coming from one of the best junior colleges in the country. His speed and playmaking will give us an immediate boost.”
Caulker’s commitment comes at a crucial time for ECU, following the graduation of veteran Cam Hayes and the midseason departure of Julien Soumaoro. With a wide-open battle for the point guard spot, Caulker is expected to compete for a starting role right away.
The Pirates beat out programs like Louisville, North Texas, and George Mason for Caulker’s services, reflecting their growing momentum in the recruiting landscape. His addition marks ECU’s first commitment of the 2025 offseason from either the transfer portal or junior college ranks.
With this move, East Carolina takes a key step in reloading its backcourt and preparing for what could be a promising season ahead.
