Grand Canyon basketball set to be on national TV a record 5 times in regular season

Grand Canyon’s men’s basketball team, now in its 11th year as an NCAA Division I program, is generating unprecedented national attention.

In an exciting development, five of the team’s regular-season games will be broadcast nationally this year. This includes their home game on December 5 against San Diego State, the NCAA runner-up from last season. The game will air on ESPNU. San Diego State is currently ranked No. 17 in the nation.

ESPNU will also televise GCU’s game against Liberty and their March 2 home game against Stephen F. Austin, both of which are expected to be top contenders in the Western Athletic Conference.

GCU will also be featured in the CBS Sports Network lineup. On November 17, they will face San Francisco, and on November 19, they will compete against either DePaul or South Carolina in the Arizona Tip-Off at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.

Last season, GCU appeared on national television five times, but that included the WAC Tournament championship game and the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Gonzaga. This year, they could surpass five appearances if they make it to the WAC championship game and the NCAA Tournament once again.

Prior to last season, GCU had never been showcased on national television more than twice in a single season.

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The Antelopes, under the leadership of coach Bryce Drew, have made it to the NCAA Tournament twice in the past three years.

This season, they have the potential to form their best team yet, provided they stay healthy. The team has seven newcomers, including talented big men Duke Brennan, Lok Wur, and Sydney Curry. Additionally, two starters from last year’s 23-win team, Ray Harrison (Preseason WAC Player of the Year) and Gabe McGlothan (Preseason All-WAC forward), will be returning.

GCU will also have point guard Jovan Blacksher Jr. back in action, following his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He is expected to start the season on November 6 at home against Southeast Missouri.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: GCU set to be on national TV 5 times in 2023-24 basketball season