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NCAA Basketball: How will Grand Canyon do in their first year of NCAA Tournament eligibility?

By Connor Hope

Nov 12, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Grand Canyon Lopes guard Joshua Braun (2) battles for the ball with Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Grand Canyon Lopes guard Joshua Braun (2) battles for the ball with Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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While Grand Canyon is about to enter its first year of NCAA basketball eligibility, the school is in a good position to make its first NCAA Tournament.

The Grand Canyon Antelopes have finally become eligible for postseason play, as their four-year probationary period ended. Now that the transition from Division II is complete, the team is in position to win the Western Athletic Conference.

Related Story: Three takeaways from UNC's title win over Gonzaga

In his first four years as head coach, Dan Majerle led the Antelopes to a combined 81-46 (40-18 WAC) record. This was better than most new programs perform, as Grand Canyon is able to compete against their WAC competition.

Last season, the GCU Antelopes were tied for second in the WAC, causing its wild student section to get noticed. They will look to continue their success into next season with the early opportunity to make their first NCAA Tournament.

The Antelopes lose two players from last season, including their leading scorer, DeWayne Russell, but still have the talent to succeed.

While losing Russell and Darion Clark definitely hurts the Antelopes, the remaining talent will continue to improve.

This season will rest on the shoulders of three seniors who have the experience to take the team to the next level.

Senior Joshua Braun was second behind Russell in scoring at 17.5, and also contributed 4.6 rebounds per game. He is Grand Canyon’s best scoring option and could average over 20 points in the upcoming season.

Along with Braun, Grand Canyon returns Keonta Vernon, who averaged 9.3 points, seven rebounds and 1.1 steals for the Antelopes. Vernon is an undersized forward, who used his weight to fight on the inside.

Oscar Frayer is also returning with a year of experience, and his growth will help lift the team.

New Mexico State and CSU Bakersfield have competitive rosters that will also challenge for the NCAA Tournament spot. Grand Canyon’s experience, however, should be enough to overcome the obstacles.

Next: Recruiting predictions for uncommitted seniors

There is still a lot of time left in the offseason, but barring some huge transfer or recruit pick up, GCU should open as WAC favorites.