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Grand Canyon’s men’s basketball team undoubtedly will miss what Gabe McGlothan brought on and off the court.
But with five of the team’s top scorers back, and newcomers, most notably power forward JaKobe Coles, in the mix, the Lopes are looking to make this season even more historic than last season, when they won 30 games for the first time as a Division I program and won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game.
“You don’t,” guard Ray Harrison said Friday during media day, when asked how the team replaces McGlothan. “He’s a one type of dude. But we definitely got guys who can rally together. But, as far as filling that void, nah, I don’t think we’re going to be able to do it.”
Sep 27, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Grand Canyon Lopes Forward JaKobe Coles (21) runs with the ball against Guard Styles Phipps (1) during practice at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix on Sept. 27, 2024.
Official practices for the 2024-25 season began this week. A long, hot summer soon will turn into Midnight Madness on Oct. 4, before an exhibition on Oct. 29 against Eastern New Mexico, then the season opener Nov. 4 against Cal State Fullerton.
Replacing McGlothan (now in the Denver Nuggets camp) is the biggest question surrounding a program that fed off of his passion and energy the last four years, when the Lopes reached the NCAA Tournament three times.
But this is as deep and talented a roster, the type coach Bryce Drew has had since he came to GCU following the COVID year that wiped out the national tournament.
Harrison, who came to GCU two years ago as a transfer from Presbyterian, is now the current longest-tenured player on the team. He remembers how his mind was swirling after a couple of weeks of intense summer workouts.
Sep 27, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Grand Canyon Lopes Guard Ray Harrison (0) prepares to shoot during practice at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix on Sept. 27, 2024.
“It’s crazy,” Harrison said when told he’s been around the longest now, getting ready for his third season…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/grand-canyon-basketball-wants-more-233812949.html
Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
Publish date : 2024-09-27 23:38:12
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