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The Grand Canyon Antelopes open the 2024-25 college basketball season determined to surpass their second-round finish in last year's NCAA Tournament.
Bryce Drew and his men went 30-5 last season to run away with the WAC regular season and tournament titles, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. As the 12th seed in the West Regionals, they stunned fifth seed Saint Mary's in the first round before falling to Alabama in the next round.
Grand Canyon received great news during the offseason as leading scorer Tyon Grant-Foster returned for another season, along with major contributors Ray Harrison, Lok Wur, Collin Moore and Duke Brennan.
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Here's a closer look into the Antelopes' 2024-25 campaign from its biggest games to its key players to watch out for.
Grand Canyon's biggest games of the 2024-25 season
Grand Canyon opens its quest for a back-to-back WAC regular season/tournament double against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 4. This is only the second time both teams meet with GCU looking to exact revenge on its loss in 1961.
The Antelopes visit Arizona State on Nov. 14 as part of the Hall of Fame Series. Grand Canyon will aim for its first win against the Sun Devils, who have won the previous three meetings.
GCU is set to meet new ACC member Stanford on Nov. 26 in the Acrisure Holiday Classic. It is the first-ever meeting of both programs.
Grand Canyon will head to Atlanta on Dec. 14 to face Georgia as part of a Holiday Hoopsgiving tripleheader. The Bulldogs made the NIT semifinals and won 20 games last season.
The Antelopes close the nonconference slate against San Diego and Bryant on Dec. 28 and Dec. 30, respectively.
GCU will play its conference mates twice during the regular season. The schedule is as follows:
Southern Utah on Jan. 4. and Jan. 23; Utah Valley (Jan. 9/Feb. 1); Abilene Christian (Jan. 16/Mar. 8); Tarleton State (Jan. 18/Feb. 13); Utah Tech (Jan. 25/Mar. 6); Seattle (Jan. 30/Mar. 1); California Baptist (Feb. 8/Feb. 22) and UT Arlington (Feb. 15/Feb. 27).
Top Grand Canyon players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season
#1. Tyon Grant-Foster
Tyon Grant-Foster had a breakout season for GCU, averaging 20.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks in 34 games last season. The 6-foot-7 guard shot 44.6% from the field and 74.5% from the free-throw line.
Grant-Foster, who returned to GCU after withdrawing his name from the NBA draft, is expected to lead the Antelopes' offense.
#2. Ray Harrison
Ray Harrison played second fiddle to Tyon Grant-Foster last season and his sacrifice paid off as Grand Canyon made the NCAA Tournament. The fifth-year senior played 34 games and averaged 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Harrison, who connected on 83.5% of his free throws this past season, will again team up with Grant-Foster in GCU's quest for a back-to-back WAC regular season/tournament double.
#3. Duke Brennan
Duke Brennan posted 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for Grand Canyon while appearing in all 35 games last season. The 6-foot-10 incoming junior shot 58.3% from the field.
Brennan needs to keep his fouls in check as it has affected his playing time last season. He played 22.9 minutes per contest for the Antelopes while picking up 3.1 fouls/game.
Predictions for Grand Canyon's 2024-25 season
Grand Canyon's lineup remains formidable, with most of last year's top contributors back to defend the WAC regular season and tournament crowns. The 2024-25 season will be GCU's last as it transfers to WCC next school year.
The Antelopes are again favored to dominate the conference, as expectations of an unbeaten regular season against their conference foes are high. GCU could repeat its 30-win season with its deep lineup and contend again in the NCAA Tournament.
Will Grand Canyon win back-to-back WAC regular season/tournament titles? Let us know your views in the comments section.
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