Lopes Primed for Final WAC Title Push with Veteran Leadership and Promising Talent

Grand Canyon University's men's basketball team is poised for one last run at a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship before transitioning to the West Coast Conference in 2025. Led by a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young prospects, the Lopes are determined to make the most of their final season in the WAC and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament once again.

Veteran Experience and Youthful Exuberance Converge for GCU's Last WAC Hurrah

Veteran Leadership Guides Promising Newcomers

Grand Canyon's roster features a blend of experienced upperclassmen and talented freshmen, creating a dynamic mix of leadership and potential. The Lopes will rely heavily on the guidance of their veteran players, such as senior guard Ray Harrison and senior forward Tyon Grant-Foster, to help the younger talents like top-100 recruit Sammie Yeanay adapt to the college game.Harrison, who has averaged over 13.5 points per game in each of his four seasons, will be a crucial veteran presence on the court. His playmaking abilities and scoring prowess will be instrumental in helping the Lopes navigate their challenging schedule. Grant-Foster, who withdrew from the 2024 NBA Draft Combine to return to GCU, will also provide valuable leadership and mentorship to the team's newcomers.

Promising Freshmen Bring Excitement and Potential

The Lopes' roster features four true freshmen, including the highly touted Yeanay, who comes to GCU as ESPN's highest-ranked player in the top 100 to choose a non-Power 6 conference. Yeanay's offensive skills and instinctive play have already caught the attention of the coaching staff, who are working with him to adapt to the team's gameplay and defensive positioning.While the transition from high school to college basketball can be challenging, the Lopes' coaching staff is confident in the young talent's ability to contribute. Head coach Bryce Drew emphasizes the importance of the team's summer training and conditioning, which has helped the newcomers prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season.

Veteran Talent Complements Promising Freshmen

In addition to Harrison and Grant-Foster, the Lopes' veteran core includes junior forward Duke Brennan and senior guard Collin Moore. Brennan was a consistent starter last season, finishing second on the team in rebounding and cracking the top 10 in the WAC. Moore's experience and leadership will also be crucial in guiding the younger players.The combination of veteran leadership and promising young talent has created a unique dynamic within the Lopes' locker room. The upperclassmen are embracing their roles as mentors, providing guidance and support to the newcomers as they adapt to the college game.

Preparing for a Challenging Schedule

The Lopes' final season in the WAC will not be an easy one, as they face a demanding schedule that includes early-season tests against the likes of Arizona State and Stanford. Coach Drew acknowledges the need to balance the team's development with managing their energy levels throughout the long season."There's a balance. We want them to get better, but we also don't want to wear them out," Drew said. "It's a long season. Everyone wants to start out the season really well. We want to start really well, but we're also more concerned about February, March and trying to be as fresh and as good as we can in those months."The Lopes' experience and talent, combined with their coaching staff's strategic approach, will be crucial in navigating the challenging schedule and positioning the team for a deep postseason run. As GCU prepares to depart the WAC, the players and coaches are determined to leave a lasting legacy and secure one final conference championship before embarking on a new chapter in the West Coast Conference.