WAC Basketball: Top 10 head coaches of the century (2000-20)

By Joey Loose | Jul 16, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 21: Ivan Aurrecoechea #15 of the New Mexico State Aggies reacts during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: head coach Dan Majerle of the Grand Canyon Lopes (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

9. Dan Majerle – Grand Canyon (2013-2020)

A much-lauded three-time NBA All-Star, Majerle was a star shooter for the Phoenix Suns and a few other teams in a 14-year playing career. After retirement, his coaching career began as an assistant coach with the Suns in 2008. Following five seasons back on familiar ground, he took over nearby Grand Canyon, who had just joined D1 athletics and the WAC in 2013.

Majerle’s work with Grand Canyon was exceptional and immediate. In his seven years, Grand Canyon was a WAC contender nearly the entire time, though they couldn’t quite win a WAC title. Instead, the Antelopes settled for three CIT and two CBI bids, finishing top 3 in the conference in six of his seven seasons. They couldn’t quite get past New Mexico State, but four-straight 20-win seasons is nothing to hate.

After a disappointing 2020 season, the Antelopes fired Majerle, who couldn’t quite get over the hump and win a conference title. They were a constant second or third fiddle to New Mexico State. However, it’s impossible to say that Majerle hasn’t greatly risen the prestige of this program and has certainly led successor Bryce Drew with the pieces to make the program’s first NCAA Tournament one day soon.