GCU watches a special video honoring their decorated seniors on Senior Night after Thursday’s 90-68 win over Utah Tech at GCU Arena in Phoenix. (Photo by Dan Allison/Cronkite News)
The GCU student section erupts after a three-pointer during the first half against Utah Tech at GCU Arena in Phoenix. (Photo by Dan Allison/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – A historic chapter of GCU basketball is coming to a close.
GCU men’s basketball celebrated six seniors in its final home game of the 2024-25 season Thursday night.
The Antelopes (23-6) won their final home matchup against Utah Tech 90-68, finishing the season with a 16-1 home record. After the game, GCU coach Bryce Drew and the staff addressed the team and fans as part of the Senior Night festivities, celebrating the seniors but also making it clear that they aren’t done yet.
“Really special group,” Drew said. “All the banners up there are thanks to a lot of these guys, first win in the NCAA tournament thanks to a lot of these guys. They have a combined record of 53-11 over the last two years, hopefully, more to come.
“Just an awesome, awesome job with this class.”
Decorated would be an understatement when talking about this senior class. The group’s resume includes two conference tournament wins, two trips to the dance, and, most importantly, GCU’s first tournament win, when the Lopes upset the fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s Gaels in 2024.
More impressive than the accolades is the path these six players took to get here. Each one of the six Lopes transferred into Drew’s system from different schools.
Whether they have been here for three years, like Ray Harrison, or a lone singular season, like JaKobe Coles, the mission remains the same for the whole roster.
“Got to focus in and get ready for the tournament,” Coles said. “I want to give my boy (Harrison) another ring and I want to get my first ring, so that’s what I am looking forward to. We’re ready to go.”
While more important basketball still awaits the team, it was still a night for the history books at GCU Arena. Not only did Coles (19 points) and Harrison (13 points) lead the scoring in their final home game, but Harrison moved into the top five on the GCU all-time scoring list with 1,423 points.
GCU coach Bryce Drew speaks to the seniors and his team after Thursday’s 90-68 victory over Utah Tech at GCU Arena in Phoenix. (Photo by Dan Allison/Cronkite News)
An emotional night might have led to GCU’s sluggish start out of the gates, but Harrison said the celebration fueled the fire for the victory.
“It was special,” Harrison said. “To have a game and day dedicated just for you, makes you want to come out and put on a show.”
Added Drew, “He (Harrison) is really committed to the program. As a coach, I’m really appreciative of that and thankful for a player that could’ve left multiple times, but yet he chose to stay and keep building his legacy. He has elevated our program to not just one level but different levels.”
Aside from Harrison’s milestone, the seniors combined for 48 of the team’s 90 total points.
“It’s just an honor to look back at your college career and have a celebration tonight,” Coles said. “It’s always good to end on a win, I’m just very appreciative.”
It wasn’t a complete Senior Night celebration due to the absence of Tyon Grant-Foster, who has been dealing with an injury for the last couple of weeks. While the 2023-24 WAC Player of the Year won’t be back in GCU Arena, the GCU “Havocs” are hoping to see him soon as tournament play looms.
“He has been getting shots up, so that’s been great to see,” Drew said, “The doctors are reevaluating him tonight so we will see tomorrow about what the next step is.”
GCU will finish its regular season on the road Saturday against Abilene Christian before heading to Las Vegas for the WAC tournament next week.
Plenty of history is left to be made for the 2024-25 Antelopes, but Thursday night, it was a moment to enjoy the celebration (and cake).
“You feel me, man?” Harrison said, referencing the cake and balloons he brought into the media room, “I’m trying to get to it.”