Drew makes quick work with GCU ascension

Tuesday, December 21

Reno, Nev.

8 p.m. (MST)

Grand Canyon

Nevada

12/20/2021 2:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Paul Coro

Lopes coach's record only trails UAB's Kennedy for win % by 2020 DI hires

By: Paul Coro

In the summer of 2020, the Division I men's basketball scene saw 28 new head coaches take over programs amid the challenge of changing staffs, systems and rosters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With those 2020 hires now amid their second seasons, only UAB head coach Andy Kennedy (31-10, .756) edges out Grand Canyon head coach Bryce Drew (27-9, .750) for winning percentage in that class. Just three other second-year head coaches are over .700, including Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino of Iona (21-8, .724).

Drew followed up a 17-7 debut at GCU by taking this season's revamped roster to 10-2 as the Lopes head to the holiday break and a Dec. 30 WAC opener at home against Chicago State.

Bryce Drew -- WAC Tournament

"We have such great people on campus who believe in the basketball program and really support the basketball program," Drew said. "Our players feel that. They know they are supported from the Havocs to administration.

"It's a day-by-day process, one block at a time building it. We really enjoy this group and seeing them improve."

Last year's work on the foundation has been most apparent in the Lopes defense. Despite adding eight new players, GCU is following up last season's No. 2 defensive ranking for opponent field goal percentage (38.3%) by ranking 13th nationally this season at 37.0%.

"The makeup of this team is we have to defend and we have to rebound," Drew said. "Those are the two things that have to be consistent."

That consistency is true with the detailed standards that Drew and assistant coaches Jamall Walker, Ed Schilling and Casey Shaw implemented last year. That thorough work built the program's first WAC champion and NCAA Division I tournament team and is helping the Lopes with one returning starter.

Bryce Drew

"Coach Drew set the bar for us and he never let us get below that bar," GCU sophomore guard Chance McMillian said. "He set the standard and made sure it was how he wanted it. That's how we became the winning program we are right now. It's all on Coach Drew. He has a good game plan for us. We follow through and it works for us."

The staff never deviated from expectations, but that standard was enhanced this season by having returnees who adhered to it and taught it to newcomers. The way Drew incorporates faith into the program and works individually with players provides touchpoints that keep each player engaged and committed.

"Coach Drew has done a great job building a great culture," Lopes sophomore guard Liam Lloyd said. "All the dudes that get brought in get embraced by the coaches and players and that's all due to the culture. I think he's built a great foundation that we can build off and keep growing in the future."

Lope tracks

GCU is one of 23 teams in the nation's 10-win club this season and one of 27 teams with a winning percentage of .833 or higher.
The Lopes rank third nationally for rebounds per game (43.7) and offensive rebounds per game (15.3). After keeping San Francisco to 48 points on Saturday, the Lopes are 14th in the nation for scoring defense (57.8 points per game).
GCU's 49-48 Saturday win against San Francisco marked the highest-rated opponent (No. 27 in NCAA Evaluation Tool rankings) that the Lopes have defeated in their nine-year Division I era. After never defeating a West Coast Conference team previously, GCU is 3-0 against the WCC this season.
The Lopes are one of 10 teams in the nation with four players (Blacksher, McMillian, Gabe McGlothan and Holland Woods II) shooting at least 35% from 3-point range (minimum 14 makes).