Kristian Ferrell
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team, also known as the Grand Canyon Lopes, represents Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. The team has had a rich history in basketball, with three NAIA national championships in 1975, 1978, and 1988. Since joining Division I in 2013, they have appeared in four NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2025. The 2024-25 season saw the emergence of freshman Matthew Diehl, who earned WAC Freshman of the Year with a 72.2 per-round scoring average. Another notable player, Makaih Williams, averaged 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds. The team is led by head coach Bryce Drew, who joined in 2020. Overall, the Grand Canyon University basketball team has had a successful season, with a strong mix of talented players and a dedicated coach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Grand Canyon Antelopes |
| University | Grand Canyon University |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Head Coach | Bryce Drew |
| Conference | Mountain West Conference |
| Division | NCAA Division I |
| Recent Seasons | 2024-25: Matthew Diehl earned WAC Freshman of the Year and All-WAC First Team honors with a 72.2 scoring average; 2025: Returned to NCAA Tournament for third consecutive season with Makaih Williams averaging 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds |
| Tournament History | Four appearances in NCAA Tournament since joining Division I in 2013-14, most recently in 2025; Three-time NAIA national champions (1975, 1978, 1988) |
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What You'll Learn
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team
During their time in the NAIA, the Antelopes were national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988. Since joining Division I in the 2013-14 season, they have appeared in four NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2025. They were ineligible for the NCAA Tournament during their transition to Division I from 2013 to 2017.
The Antelopes have had some notable successes in recent years. In 2020, Majerle was fired after seven seasons as head coach, and he subsequently sued the university for breach of contract. The lawsuit was dismissed the following year. That same year, Bryce Drew was named the new head coach, and under his leadership, the team has continued to improve.
In the 2024-25 season, freshman Matthew Diehl had an impressive year, earning WAC Freshman of the Year and All-WAC First Team honors. Diehl finished with a 72.2 per-round scoring average, four top-10 finishes, and a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Regionals, the best in program history. Another standout player, Makaih Williams, averaged 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds for the WAC Tournament Champion Lopes, who returned to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season.
The Antelopes play their home games at the Global Credit Union Arena and compete in the Mountain West Conference, having moved up their timeline to switch from the WAC, which will significantly shift the bracket dynamics.
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Matthew Diehl's impressive freshman season in 2024-25
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team had an impressive season in 2024-25, with freshman Matthew Diehl standing out as a key player. Diehl had a remarkable freshman season, securing WAC Freshman of the Year and All-WAC First Team honours. With a 72.2 per round scoring average, Diehl achieved four top-10 finishes and placed seventh at the NCAA Regionals, a record for the programme. His performance contributed to the team's success, as they returned to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season under the leadership of head coach Bryce Drew.
Diehl's impact during his freshman year was significant, solidifying his position as a talented newcomer in the team. His scoring average of 72.2 per round placed him among the top players in the team's roster. With four top-10 finishes, Diehl consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and compete at a high level. The freshman's achievements extended beyond individual accolades, as his contributions helped the Grand Canyon Antelopes secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament once more.
The team's success in the 2024-25 season built upon their strong foundation in basketball. Having appeared in the NCAA Division I tournaments four times, the Antelopes have established themselves as a competitive force. Their history includes national championships in 1975, 1978, and 1988, showcasing a tradition of excellence. The 2024-25 season reinforced the team's reputation, with Diehl's performance as a freshman serving as a highlight.
Diehl's performance during his first year set a new benchmark for future freshmen joining the programme. His achievements were recognised not only within the team but also across the WAC, as evidenced by his honours. The freshman's scoring average and top-10 finishes demonstrated a consistency that contributed to the team's overall success. Diehl's individual accomplishments were a significant factor in the Grand Canyon Antelopes' impressive season, and his performance will be remembered as a highlight of their 2024-25 campaign.
Matthew Diehl's freshman season at Grand Canyon University in 2024-25 was undoubtedly impressive. His impact on the court, combined with his individual accolades and contributions to the team's success, solidified his role as a key player. Diehl's performance set a new standard for freshmen and added a memorable chapter to the Grand Canyon Antelopes' basketball legacy. As Diehl continues to develop and improve, his future seasons with the team are sure to be even more remarkable.
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Makaih Williams' performance in the 2025-26 season
Makaih Williams, a junior from Long Beach, California, returned for his second Grand Canyon University (GCU) season in 2025-26. Williams was a key member of the WAC Tournament Champion Lopes, who made their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
During the 2025-26 season, Williams continued to be a valuable contributor to the team. He improved on his previous season's averages, consistently putting up impressive numbers. With his strong all-around game, Williams averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the regular season. His scoring ability, coupled with his tenacious defence, made him a versatile player on the court. Williams' performance earned him recognition within the highly competitive Mountain West Conference, which GCU joined in July 2025.
Williams showcased his talent and leadership on the court, stepping up in crucial moments and becoming a go-to player for GCU. He was often relied upon to make big plays, whether it was sinking a game-winning shot or coming up with a crucial defensive stop. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in high-pressure situations solidified his role as a pivotal player for the team. Williams' performance during the 2025-26 season contributed significantly to the team's success, helping them secure several key victories.
One of Williams' standout performances came in a closely contested game against a formidable opponent. He dominated the court with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, sealing the win with a last-second shot that sent the GCU crowd into a frenzy. Williams' clutch gene shone through in such pivotal moments, establishing him as a fan favourite and a respected competitor.
Williams' improvement from his freshman season to his stellar 2025-26 campaign bodes well for his future prospects. With his combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ, he has the potential to become one of the top players in the conference. As Williams continues to refine his game and gain experience, he will undoubtedly be a pivotal player for GCU in the upcoming seasons, leaving his mark on the program's basketball legacy.
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The team's head coaches over the years
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team, representing Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, has had several notable head coaches over the years. Here is a brief overview:
Howard Mansfield
Howard Mansfield was the first coach of the Antelopes basketball team, hired in the university's founding year of 1949. During their time in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), they became national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988.
Dan Majerle
Dan Majerle served as the head coach of GCU's men's basketball team for seven seasons until he was fired in March 2020. Majerle subsequently sued the university for breach of contract, but the lawsuit was dismissed the following year.
Bryce Drew
Bryce Drew was named the new GCU men's basketball head coach in March 2020. He previously held the same position at Valparaiso University and Vanderbilt University. Under his leadership, the Antelopes transitioned from the WAC to the Mountain West Conference and have continued to build their NCAA Division I record, appearing in the NCAA Tournament four times, most recently in 2025.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team has had a rich history, with a mix of success and challenges. The team's head coaches have played a pivotal role in shaping the team's performance and reputation over the years.
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The team's performance in tournaments
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team has had a rich history of tournament appearances, with varying levels of success.
During their time in the NAIA, they were extremely successful, becoming national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988. Since then, they have transitioned through different divisions, which has impacted their tournament eligibility and performance.
In the 2023-24 season, the Antelopes, led by head coach Bryce Drew, returned to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. This marked their fourth appearance in the tournament since joining Division I in 2013–14. The team also boasts success in the WAC Tournament, with Makaih Williams averaging 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds, contributing to the team's success.
In the 2024-25 season, freshman Matthew Diehl stood out, earning WAC Freshman of the Year and All-WAC First Team honors. Diehl's impressive scoring average of 72.2 per round and four top-10 finishes, including a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Regionals, contributed to the team's overall performance.
The Antelopes have also appeared in the Division I College Basketball Invitational (CBI) twice, although their record in these tournaments is less impressive. Their transition to Division I from 2013 to 2017 impacted their eligibility for the NCAA Tournament during those seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
Four times, most recently in 2025.
They were defeated by Maryland in the first round.
Bryce Drew.
Some notable players include Matthew Diehl, Makaih Williams, and JaKobe Coles.
They were NAIA national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988.
