NCAA Basketball Ranking of top 10 mid-major winners of 2024 offseason

No. 5: Grand Canyon

The Antelopes had a fabulous 2023-24 season, finishing 30-5 (17-3 WAC) and making their second straight NCAA tournament appearance, which included an upset win over St. Mary's. But Bryce Drew & co. have showed no signs of slowing down this offseason, and have continued to make big moves across the board.

Grand Canyon has added some significant pieces in the portal thus far, which includes TCU forward JaKobe Coles, UT Arlington guard Makaih Williams, and Louisville center Dennis Evans.

Coles will be a fifth-year senior this year, who averaged 10 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and 1.3 apg while shooting 49% from the field last season with the Horned Frogs. Sophomore Makaih Williams joins the Antelopes after spending his freshman year at WAC foe UT Arlington, where he averaged 10.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, and 2.8 apg, which was enough for him to win WAC Freshman of the Year. Coles will bring lots of experience to the Antelopes and will strengthen the Antelopes' starting lineup.

Incoming sophomore Dennis Evans was a top 25 recruit coming of out high school just a year ago, but struggled last year at Louisville, averaging just 1.6 ppg in only seven games played. Nonetheless, Evans was a top 25 recruit and still has a high ceiling, and a change of scenery could be the catalyst to make that happen. The Antelopes still have a few roster spots to fill, and considering the quality transfer additions Grand Canyon has picked up so far, it looks likely that more impact transfers could be on their way.

Outside of the portal, the school announced a significant move that will see Grand Canyon move from the WAC to the WCC in the summer of 2025. While they will evidently remain in the WAC for the 2024-25 season, a conference upgrade awaits the Antelopes. As for this upcoming season? Considering the solid job Grand Canyon has done retooling in the portal so far, it looks likely that they could replicate the success they saw last season again in the 2024-25 season.