Grand Canyon Lopes basketball — program history
Grand Canyon's basketball program began in 1949 at the Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lopes transitioned from Division II to Division I in 2013 and have quickly become competitive, making the NCAA Tournament. GCU's arena atmosphere has become one of the most celebrated in college basketball.
The name
The Lopes (short for Antelopes) nickname references the pronghorn antelope native to the Arizona desert, chosen for the animal's speed and grace.
Signature moment
Earning the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament bid in 2021 by winning the WAC, less than a decade after moving up to Division I, proving the rapid investment in the program paid off.
GCU's Havocs student section is famous for their coordinated, perfectly choreographed routines that go viral on social media, making GCU Arena one of the most entertaining environments in college basketball.
The Grand Canyon Lopes compete in the MWC and hold an all-time record of 276–141 (.662 winning percentage) across 13 recorded seasons dating back to 2013-14.
Season-by-season results
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