Grand Canyon University’s Jaden Henley Acclaims First MW Honor

Phoenix, AZ, December 23, 2025

Grand Canyon University’s men’s basketball program has announced that senior guard Jaden Henley has earned the first in-season Mountain West honor. This notable recognition reflects both his impressive performance and the Lopes’ competitive spirit as they embark on their inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference. With recent victories showcasing Henley’s exceptional abilities, he has become a vital player for GCU, reinforcing the university’s growing prominence in collegiate athletics within the Phoenix area.

Phoenix, AZ —

The Grand Canyon University (GCU) men’s basketball program is making significant waves in its inaugural Mountain West (MW) Conference season, with senior guard Jaden Henley earning the Lopes’ first in-season MW honor. This achievement highlights the team’s competitive spirit and the growing prominence of collegiate athletics in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Henley’s exceptional performances in recent victories underscore the talent fostering within GCU and its positive ripple effects on the local community and sporting landscape.

GCU’s accelerated entry into the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-2026 academic year marked a pivotal moment for the university and its athletic programs. The early transition, a year ahead of schedule, positions the Lopes among a conference known for consistently sending multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament. The team’s strong start, combined with individual recognitions, signals a promising trajectory for the Antelopes as they navigate this new, elevated level of competition.

Lopes Guard Henley Secures First In-Season MW Recognition

Senior guard Jaden Henley has been recognized with Grand Canyon University’s inaugural in-season Mountain West honor, a testament to his impactful play during a crucial stretch for the Lopes. Henley, a 6-foot-7 guard from Ontario, California, showcased remarkable skill and determination, averaging 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in two recent victories that were considered for the weekly conference award. His efficient shooting stood out, as he connected on 73% of his field goals and 67% from beyond the arc.

This recognition follows a dominant performance where Henley achieved a new career high, scoring 29 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a 91-78 triumph over IU Indy on December 22. Just two days prior, on December 20, he contributed 18 points and four rebounds in GCU’s Mountain West conference debut, an 82-70 road victory against Wyoming. These performances have propelled Henley to career-best season averages of 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 47.6% from the field.

Preseason Optimism and Conference Standing

The recent in-season honor for Henley builds upon a foundation of preseason optimism surrounding the Lopes. In October 2025, the Mountain West Preseason Poll projected GCU to finish fourth in its first season within the highly competitive conference. This promising forecast placed Grand Canyon University in the upper tier of a conference that has historically sent four or more teams to the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons.

Adding to the preseason accolades, both Jaden Henley and fellow guard Brian Moore Jr. were named to the 10-player Preseason All-Mountain West Team. Moore Jr. also received the distinction of MW Preseason Newcomer of the Year. GCU and San Diego State were the only two programs to claim multiple spots on the Preseason All-Mountain West Team, indicating the high regard for the Lopes’ talent entering the season. The preseason rankings placed GCU ahead of established programs like defending regular-season champion New Mexico (fifth) and 2025 Mountain West Championship winner Colorado State (seventh-place tie).

Impact on Phoenix and Arizona Athletics

Grand Canyon University’s success and high profile in the Mountain West Conference significantly bolster the Phoenix AZ sports landscape and contribute to the broader state’s athletic and economic scene. As GCU elevates its competitive standing, it draws increased attention to college basketball in Phoenix, attracting fans, media, and prospective student-athletes. This heightened visibility can translate into greater local spending on games, merchandise, and hospitality, providing a tangible boost to the regional economy.

The university’s proactive decision to accelerate its move to the Mountain West Conference demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to strategic growth. This initiative not only enhances GCU’s athletic brand but also reinforces Phoenix’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for major collegiate sports. The commitment to competitive excellence fostered by private institutions like GCU, supported by community engagement, exemplifies the value of self-reliance and initiative in driving local prosperity.

University Programs and Community Engagement

The achievements of players like Jaden Henley are a direct result of comprehensive university programs, dedicated coaching, and strong community support. Head Coach Bryce Drew’s leadership has been instrumental in cultivating a winning culture and attracting high-caliber talent to the Grand Canyon University Athletics program. The focus on individual player development, coupled with a cohesive team strategy, has allowed athletes to thrive in a challenging environment.

Furthermore, the vibrant student and fan community at GCU plays a crucial role. Known for “The Biggest Party in College Basketball,” the enthusiastic support from students and local residents creates an unparalleled home-court advantage. This collective self-reliance, where private institutions, coaches, and the community all invest in the success of their teams, creates a powerful ecosystem that fosters both athletic achievement and a strong sense of local pride. This synergy between university investment and community engagement exemplifies a successful model for sustainable growth in collegiate sports.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

With an 8-4 overall record and a 1-0 start in Mountain West play, the Lopes are poised to continue their strong performance. The team will take a holiday break before resuming Mountain West action at home on January 3 against Colorado State. The early success of the men’s basketball team, coupled with other notable achievements such as freshman Ines Zounia’s MW Freshman of the Week honor for women’s basketball, demonstrates a broad commitment to athletic excellence across the university.

The journey through the Mountain West Conference will be demanding, but the early indicators suggest that Grand Canyon University is well-equipped to meet the challenge. The perseverance demonstrated by athletes like Henley and the strategic vision of the university leadership are key ingredients for sustained success. Phoenix residents are encouraged to continue their robust support for GCU Lopes, engaging with the team, and celebrating the triumphs that contribute to the spirited culture of college basketball in Phoenix.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Highlights

Category	Detail
Latest Player Honor	Jaden Henley: Lopes’ 1st in-season Mountain West honor
Henley’s Award Week Stats	23.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG; 73% FG, 67% 3P
Current Season Record	8-4 Overall, 1-0 Mountain West
MW Preseason Poll Rank	4th (inaugural MW season)
Preseason All-MW Team Selections	Jaden Henley, Brian Moore Jr.
MW Preseason Newcomer of the Year	Brian Moore Jr.
Conference Entry Year	2025-2026 academic year (accelerated)
Next MW Game (Men’s)	January 3 vs. Colorado State (Home)
Women’s Basketball Recent Honor	Ines Zounia: MW Freshman of the Week (Dec 22)

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