Phoenix, AZ, February 3, 2026
The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team is making a significant transition, moving from the WAC to the Mountain West Conference for the upcoming season. Despite roster changes and recent graduations, the Lopes are focused on maintaining their defensive strategy, which has been crucial in their success. With a commendable record, the Lopes aim to build on their legacy of three consecutive WAC championships as they embrace the challenges of their new league, representing both their competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics.
Phoenix, AZ — The Grand Canyon University (GCU) men’s basketball team is navigating a significant transition this season, moving from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to the highly competitive Mountain West Conference (MW) for the 2025-2026 campaign. Despite this shift and a roster that looks different after recent graduations, the Lopes are firmly relying on a disciplined defensive strategy to maintain their conference contention and build upon a remarkable legacy of success. This strategic emphasis on defense underscores the team’s commitment to fundamental basketball, a bedrock principle in achieving sustained excellence in a demanding athletic environment.
Coming off a historic run in the WAC, which included three consecutive conference championships and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the Lopes entered the current season with elevated expectations and the challenge of proving themselves in a new league. The move to the Mountain West, expedited from an initially planned 2026 transition, highlights the university’s ambition and commitment to elevating its athletic profile. As Phoenix, Arizona, continues to solidify its position as a major urban center and a burgeoning hub for sports, GCU’s competitive drive reflects a broader regional commitment to achievement and self-reliance in the athletic and educational sectors.
A New Conference, Same Commitment to Defense
The 2025-2026 season marks Grand Canyon University’s inaugural year as a member of the Mountain West Conference, following 12 seasons in the Western Athletic Conference. This move presents both new challenges and opportunities for Head Coach Bryce Drew, who is in his sixth season leading the Lopes. As of January 31, 2026, GCU holds a commendable 14-7 overall record and a strong 7-3 standing in Mountain West play, placing them fifth in the conference. This performance is a testament to the team’s adaptability and commitment to their core principles, particularly on the defensive end.
GCU’s defensive prowess is a critical factor in their early success in the Mountain West. The Lopes rank 51st nationally in Points Allowed per Game (PA/G) and an impressive 37th nationally in Defensive Rating (DRtg) out of 365 Division I teams for the 2025-2026 season. This defensive tenacity is a continuation of their strong play in the previous season, where they finished 11th nationally in Defensive Rating out of 364 teams in 2024-2025. In their final WAC season, Grand Canyon also led the conference in field goal percentage defense (40.9%) and three-point percentage defense (30.1%), while forcing turnovers at a rate that ranked 20th nationally (15.52 per game). This consistent high-level defensive performance showcases a disciplined approach and a collective team effort essential for contending in any league. Key contributors to the current season include Jaden Henley, averaging 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, along with Makaih Williams, who is contributing 12.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Building on a Championship Legacy
The Lopes entered the 2025-2026 season on the heels of significant achievements in the WAC. The 2024-2025 season saw them finish with a 26-7 overall record and a 13-3 record in WAC play, securing second place. Their dominance culminated in a third consecutive WAC Tournament championship, which earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 13 seed in the West region. Although their NCAA Tournament journey concluded with a loss to Maryland, the experience solidified their reputation as a formidable program on the national stage.
This sustained period of success required Grand Canyon University to cultivate a winning culture, emphasizing rigorous training and strategic player development. Following significant graduations from the championship-winning squads, the 2025-2026 roster presents a new look. The ability to integrate new talent while maintaining a high level of play, particularly defensively, speaks to the strength of the coaching staff and the individual initiative of the student-athletes. Makaih Williams, for instance, returned for his second GCU season to a “new-look roster of talent” after contributing to the team’s WAC Championship and NCAA Tournament run.
Impact on Phoenix AZ’s Athletic Landscape
Phoenix, Arizona, as the capital and most populous city in the state with over 1.6 million residents, serves as a dynamic backdrop for Grand Canyon University’s athletic endeavors. The success of university programs like GCU men’s basketball significantly contributes to the vibrant Phoenix AZ sports scene, enhancing local pride and potentially drawing attention and visitors to the region. Competitive college athletics fosters a sense of community and provides engaging entertainment for residents, embodying the spirit of local self-reliance and shared experience.
Beyond the immediate excitement of game day, college athletics programs like those at Grand Canyon University have a tangible economic impact. Major sporting events, such as bowl games held in Phoenix, generate considerable revenue, filling local hotels and restaurants, and stimulating economic activity across the Valley. This demonstrates how private institutions and their athletic programs can contribute positively to regional economic growth, a theme consistent with the principles of free-market development and community prosperity.
Strategic Investment and Community Engagement
Grand Canyon University’s approach to athletics is characterized by strategic investment, particularly in its basketball program. In a rapidly evolving landscape where college athletics is undergoing significant changes, including new revenue sharing models, GCU has consciously prioritized the growth and development of its existing programs. Beginning July 1, new revenue sharing guidelines will allow schools to directly share revenue with athletes, with men’s basketball programs expected to receive a notable portion of these funds. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that GCU remains competitive and provides robust support for its student-athletes, emphasizing responsible financial management within the university’s private institutional framework.
Furthermore, GCU’s commitment extends beyond the court into meaningful community engagement. The university has forged a decade-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, a remarkable initiative that has seen the renovation of over 600 homes in west Phoenix neighborhoods since 2015. This partnership, hailed as one of the first of its kind nationally for a university, has leveraged over $6.2 million raised through employee giving programs and more than 39,100 volunteer hours from faculty, staff, and students. Such efforts exemplify the positive impact of private initiative and community self-reliance, fostering tangible improvements in local neighborhoods and strengthening the social fabric of Phoenix.
The Road Ahead in the Mountain West
As the Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team settles into its new home in the Mountain West Conference, the road ahead will be marked by intense competition and continued opportunities for growth. The Mountain West is known for its strong programs and passionate fan bases, offering a new arena for the Lopes to test their mettle. To contend for a Mountain West title and secure a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, the team will need to sustain its defensive intensity and continue to develop its offensive execution under Coach Drew’s guidance.
The shift to a new conference, coupled with a refreshed roster, demands adaptability and resilience—qualities inherent in successful athletic programs. The foundation laid by their defensive consistency provides a solid platform for these aspirations. With key players contributing on both ends of the court, the Lopes are poised to establish themselves as a formidable presence in the Mountain West, embodying the competitive spirit that drives collegiate athletics.
Conclusion
The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team’s strategic reliance on defense is a powerful testament to their discipline and determination as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Mountain West Conference. Building on a strong legacy from the WAC, the Lopes represent the best of Phoenix AZ sports—a program committed to excellence, adaptability, and positive community impact through private initiative and collective effort. As they continue their pursuit of success in the Mountain West and future NCAA Tournament berths, Phoenix residents are encouraged to support their college basketball teams, witnessing firsthand the spirit of competition, perseverance, and local achievement. Engaging with these athletic endeavors not only celebrates student-athlete dedication but also reinforces the vibrant community spirit that defines Arizona athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which conference is the GCU men’s basketball team currently a member of?
A: The GCU men’s basketball team is currently a member of the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-2026 season.
Q: What was GCU’s record in their last season in the WAC (2024-2025)?
A: In their last season in the WAC (2024-2025), GCU finished with a 26-7 overall record and a 13-3 record in WAC play, finishing in second place.
Q: How many consecutive WAC Tournament championships did GCU win?
A: GCU won three consecutive WAC Tournament championships.
Q: How many straight NCAA Tournament appearances did the Lopes make?
A: The Lopes made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Q: What is GCU’s current record in the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-2026 season?
A: For the 2025-2026 season, GCU’s current record is 14-7 overall and 7-3 in Mountain West Conference play, placing them fifth.
Q: How does GCU’s defense rank nationally in the 2025-2026 season?
A: For the 2025-2026 season, GCU ranks 51st nationally in Points Allowed per Game (PA/G) and 37th nationally in Defensive Rating (DRtg) out of 365 teams.
Q: Which city is Grand Canyon University located in?
A: Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona. [cite: 2 (from user context), 4]
Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Highlights (2024-2026)
| Season | Conference | Overall Record | Conference Record | Conference Standing | Postseason (NCAA) | National Defensive Rank (DRtg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | WAC | 26-7 | 13-3 | 2nd | NCAA Tournament (Lost First Round) | 11th of 364 |
| 2025-2026 (Current as of 1/31/26) | Mountain West | 14-7 | 7-3 | 5th | Ongoing | 37th of 365 |
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