Amanda Knapp
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team, representing Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, has had quite the journey through the various conferences. Initially, the team competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), winning national championships in 1975, 1978, and 1988. They then moved up to NCAA Division II for the 1990–91 season. In 2013, the Antelopes transitioned to NCAA Division I basketball in the WAC, with former NBA player Dan Majerle as their coach. After a successful four-year transition, they became postseason eligible in the 2017-2018 season. In 2025, the team joined the Mountain West Conference, a year earlier than expected, marking a new chapter in their athletic journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the team | Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team |
| University | Grand Canyon University |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Conference | Mountain West Conference |
| Home ground | Global Credit Union Arena |
| Coach | Bryce Drew |
| Previous conference | WAC |
| Year joined Mountain West Conference | 2025 |
| Year of transition to Division I | 2013 |
| Number of conference championships won | 70 |
| Number of WAC Commissioner's Cups won | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
GCU basketball is in the Mountain West Conference
Grand Canyon University's men's basketball team, the Grand Canyon Antelopes, is in the Mountain West Conference. The team is also known as GCU or the Lopes, and plays its home games at the Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
GCU basketball made the jump to NCAA Division I and joined the WAC on July 1, 2013. The Antelopes began playing in Division I for the 2013-14 season and became full member eligible for postseason play in 2017-2018. They joined the Mountain West Conference on July 8, 2025, one year earlier than their expected departure in 2026.
The Antelopes have enjoyed success in recent years, appearing in the NCAA Tournament four times since joining Division I, most recently in 2025. They have a rich history, having been national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988 during their time in the NAIA.
GCU's acceptance into the Mountain West Conference reflects the university's rapid growth and success in academics and athletics. The conference is known for its competitive success and powerful basketball brand, positioning GCU to compete for championships with some of the nation's top men's basketball teams.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team is led by head coach Bryce Drew, who previously coached at Valparaiso University and Vanderbilt University. The team's success has been accompanied by GCU's overall athletic excellence, with the university winning 70 conference championships at the Division I level, including 41 in the last four years.
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GCU men's basketball team is called the Grand Canyon Antelopes
The GCU men's basketball team is called the Grand Canyon Antelopes, representing Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. The team is coached by Bryce Drew, who was appointed in 2020, and plays its home games at the Global Credit Union Arena.
The Antelopes have experienced success in recent years, making three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. They transitioned to NCAA Division I basketball in 2013, joining the WAC, and became a full member eligible for postseason play in the 2017-2018 season. During their time in the NAIA, they were national champions in 1975, 1978, and 1988.
In 2024, GCU accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, becoming one of a select few non-football universities competing in FBS conferences. This move positioned them among the nation's elite basketball programs, with the Mountain West Conference being one of the top men's basketball conferences in recent seasons.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team has a rich history, with their first year seeing Howard Mansfield hired as coach, making the team the first sports team sponsored by the school. The Antelopes played in the NAIA until the 1989-90 season before moving up to NCAA Division II for the following season.
The team has continued to develop and achieve success, with their ascension mirroring the growth of the university itself. With a strong academic reputation and a focus on high-growth job fields, GCU has experienced significant enrollment growth while also raising admissions standards.
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GCU men's basketball team represents Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona
The Grand Canyon Antelopes, also known as the GCU men's basketball team, represents Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, Arizona. The team is currently led by head coach Bryce Drew, who joined in March 2020, and plays their home games at the Global Credit Union Arena.
The Antelopes began their transition to NCAA Division I basketball in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2013 under former head coach Dan Majerle. They officially became a full member of the WAC on July 1, 2013, and were eligible for postseason play starting with the 2017-2018 season. During their time in the WAC, the Antelopes appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times, with their most recent appearance being in 2025.
GCU's athletic success has been notable, with the university winning 70 conference championships at the Division I level, including 41 in the last four years. The university's athletic department has been recognized with the WAC Commissioner's Cup for six consecutive years, showcasing its consistent excellence.
In November 2024, GCU accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference, signaling their continued growth and competitiveness. The move positions GCU among an elite group of non-football universities in FBS conferences. The Mountain West Conference has established itself as one of the nation's top men's basketball conferences, providing GCU with a platform to compete for championships and further enhance its athletic reputation.
The GCU men's basketball team has contributed to the university's athletic success, winning NCAA tournament games and consistently performing at a high level. With their transition to the Mountain West Conference, the Antelopes are poised to continue their winning tradition and represent Grand Canyon University with pride in Phoenix, Arizona.
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GCU men's basketball team has won 70 conference championships
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team, representing Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, has experienced significant success in recent years, highlighted by their remarkable achievement of winning 70 conference championships. This success has solidified their reputation as a dominant force in college basketball.
In March 2013, former Phoenix Suns shooting guard Dan Majerle was appointed as the 13th men's basketball coach at GCU. Under Majerle's leadership, the team underwent a significant transition, advancing into NCAA Division I basketball within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). This move set the stage for the Antelopes to compete at a higher level and showcase their talent.
GCU's success in Division I has been remarkable. Since joining this division for the 2013-14 season, they have rapidly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. During their time in the WAC, they claimed an impressive 70 conference championships, showcasing their consistency and dominance within the conference. This success has not gone unnoticed, and it has propelled the team into the national spotlight.
In addition to their conference championships, the Antelopes have also excelled in NCAA Tournament appearances. Since their transition to Division I, they have appeared in the NCAA Tournament on multiple occasions, including in 2025. This trajectory of success has been built upon a strong foundation, as the team also found triumph during their time in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), claiming national championships in 1975, 1978, and 1988.
In 2024, GCU accepted an invitation to join the prestigious Mountain West Conference, marking a new chapter in their athletic journey. This move positions them among an elite trio of non-football universities competing in FBS conferences, elevating their status within college athletics. The Mountain West Conference is renowned for its success and rich tradition, and GCU's addition strengthens the conference's competitiveness while providing the team with new challenges and opportunities.
Led by head coach Bryce Drew, who took over in March 2020, the GCU men's basketball team continues to strive for excellence. Their achievements, including the remarkable feat of winning 70 conference championships, have established them as a powerhouse in college basketball, and their future remains bright as they embark on a new path in the Mountain West Conference.
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GCU men's basketball team coach is Bryce Drew
The Grand Canyon Antelopes men's basketball team, also known as GCU, represents Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. They are currently a member of the Mountain West Conference, having joined in July 2025. The team's head coach is Bryce Drew, who was named GCU's 14th head coach in March 2020. Drew is a former NBA player and has previously served as the head coach of Valparaiso University and Vanderbilt University.
Under Drew's leadership, GCU has experienced significant success on the court. In his first five seasons, he led the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a landmark first-round victory in 2023-24 against fifth-seeded Saint Mary's. This marked the first time GCU had won an NCAA Tournament game in their 11-year Division I history. Drew has also helped the team win its first WAC regular-season title and WAC tournament title, showcasing his exceptional coaching abilities.
Drew's strategic recruitment of new players, such as WAC Newcomer of the Year Asbjørn Midtgaard, has contributed to the team's success. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Drew established a winning culture and program identity, navigating practice restrictions and testing requirements adeptly. His efforts were recognized through multiple awards and nominations, including being a finalist for the Naismith Men's Coach of the Year award and winning the National Association of Basketball Coaches' District 6 Coach of the Year.
As GCU continues to thrive under Drew's guidance, the team has become an NCAA tournament mainstay. Their success has elevated Bryce Drew's reputation as a sought-after coach, attracting interest from major colleges. However, Drew has expressed his commitment to GCU, stating his love for the school and the team, and his desire to continue building their success. With their recent transition to the Mountain West Conference, GCU and Coach Drew are poised to compete at an even higher level, solidifying their place among the nation's elite basketball programs.
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Frequently asked questions
GCU basketball, also known as the Grand Canyon Antelopes, is in the Mountain West Conference.
GCU basketball joined the Mountain West Conference on July 8, 2025, one year earlier than their expected departure in 2026.
GCU basketball is in Division I.
