PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University’s basketball programs are making national waves.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to data from College Basketball Report, GCU ranks tied at No. 16 in NCAA wins this decade with 120 victories. That puts the Lopes shoulder-to-shoulder with programs like VCU and North Texas, and ahead of many Power Five schools — not bad for a school that only recently made the jump to Division I.
The Lopes share a spot with VCU and North Texas, joining a list dominated by long-established basketball powers. GCU’s rise is especially notable given the university’s relatively recent transition to Division I and the continued growth of both its men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Under head coach Bryce Drew, the GCU men’s team has become a staple in March. Drew has led the lopes to three NCAA Tournament appearances and a winning campaign to a WAC title. With a combination of strong defense, deep rosters, and electric home crowds at GCU Arena, the program has firmly positioned itself as a mid-major force.
On the women’s side, former head coach Molly Miller took the team to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance and a conference title. Under new leadership behind Winston Gandy, they look to continue their success and bring more national attention to a program on the rise.
Both programs are competing at a high level as the WAC continues to grow in competitiveness and visibility. The 120-win mark is a testament to the culture of consistency and development that GCU has built across its basketball programs.
As the second Arizona school. to make the list, GCU emergence highlights a broader shift in the college basketball landscape — and they’re far from finished.
Arizona ranks top 10 nationally in basketball wins this decade
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Reporter Reyna Stanley covers college, the pros, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
