GCU Basketball 2026: New Faces, Same Fire as Lopes Reload for Another Run

Get ready, Lopes fans, because Grand Canyon University basketball is charging into 2026 with plenty of momentum, high expectations, and just enough shakeup to keep things interesting. Both the men’s and women’s programs are riding waves of recent success, and while each faces its own version of transition, there’s no denying that GCU is quickly becoming one of the most exciting mid-major stories in college hoops.

Men’s Basketball: Reload, Don’t Rebuild

Let’s start with the men’s squad. Under Bryce Drew, the Lopes have been nothing short of a WAC powerhouse. With back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 26-8 run in 2024-25, GCU has proven they’re not just knocking on the door of national respect—they’re kicking it down.

Sure, they’re losing some serious firepower in Tyon Grant-Foster and Duke Brennan (not to mention Ray Harrison and a handful of other contributors), but Drew isn’t hitting the panic button. Instead, he went full mastermind in the transfer portal, landing Dusty Stromer from Gonzaga and Jaden Henley from UNLV. That’s not patchwork—that’s a reload.

Add in returners like Makaih Williams and Caleb Shaw, who have already proven they can produce in big moments, and this team isn’t skipping a beat. If chemistry clicks early, don’t be surprised if the Lopes are dancing in March yet again—and maybe this time they hang around a little longer.

Women’s Basketball: New Era, Same Swagger?

Let’s talk about dominance. The GCU women’s team was unreal in 2024-25—a 29-2 record, a 27-game win streak, and WAC dominance that made headlines. But as the saying goes, all good things must evolve.

Cue the arrival of Winston Gandy from South Carolina, a fresh face with big shoes to fill following Molly Miller’s departure. And he’s walking into a program in transition. Many of the stars from last year’s team—including Tiara Brown and the Erikstrup sisters—have moved on, meaning the 2025-26 roster will have a very new look.

Still, don’t count this team out. Gandy brings championship experience and recruiting firepower, and young players like Kaitlyn Elsholz and Asha Sra are primed for breakout roles. Will it take time? Probably. But by 2026, expect the Lady Lopes to be back in the title mix and ready to make noise.

2026 Outlook: Rising Together

The men’s team looks locked and loaded for another run at the WAC title—and maybe more. With smart roster moves and a strong coaching foundation, they’re poised to be one of the most consistent mid-majors in the country.

The women’s program, while facing more turnover, has the tools to reload and surprise. Gandy’s hire could prove to be a turning point, and if his recruiting chops translate, the Lopes could be just as fearsome in 2026 as they were in 2025.

In short: it’s a great time to rock the purple. Whether you’re in the Havocs or watching from afar, both GCU basketball programs are bringing the heat, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be must-watch from start to finish.