California Baptist Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Lancers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Confetti is seen on the NCAA logo after the Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Kansas Jayhawks 67-59 in the National Championship Game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on April 2, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1 of 4

LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Basketballs are shown in a ball rack before the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Grand Canyon Lopesat the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

The California Baptist Lancers are about to begin their first season as a Division I program. Here is a look at what to expect from them.

When schools decide to move up to Division I there is an adjustment period, for some that period is long, while others find their footing quickly and fit right in. The California Baptist Lancers, who begin their first season as a Division I member, hope they fall into the latter category.

One thing the Lancers have going for them is the success they’ve had at the Division II level during the five-year tenure of head coach Rick Croy. Since his arrival in 2014, the team made five straight appearances in the Division II Tournament, reaching the Elite Eight last season.

In that time frame, Croy and the Lancers have put up some staggering numbers that would rival any Division I school. They have amassed an overall record of 132-29, a winning percentage of .820, they have also handled conference play with ease with a record of 83-17 and two regular season titles, a conference tournament title and two other title game appearances in the PacWest Conference. They have also held serve on their home floor of Van Dyne Gym over the last five seasons, winning 79 times and losing just seven. What makes that record even more impressive is that just one of those defeats was by more than six points.

Despite all that success, Division I is still a hefty step up in competition so you can expect some growing pains from the Lancers. Here is a preview of the team as they begin their first season at college basketball’s highest level.