Grand Canyon University (GCU) will face preseason No. 1 Florida on December 18 in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. This matchup marks GCU's first encounter with a top-ranked team since taking on Duke in 2016-17 and could provide their players with exposure to NBA scouts. Both teams have strong rosters as Florida returns 82% of its scoring from last season’s successful campaign, while GCU has a promising lineup bolstered by transfer players. Head coaches Bryce Drew and Todd Golden emphasized the rarity and excitement of such high-caliber matchups.

By the Numbers
  • GCU seeks its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.
  • Florida ranked 4th in the nation before last season's NCAA Tournament and set a program record, averaging 87.1 points per game.
State of Play
  • The Jacksonville Hoops Showdown will also feature a match between Florida State and Houston on December 20.
  • GCU plans to utilize a mix of veteran experience and new talent from the transfer portal in their upcoming season.
What's Next

As the season progresses, GCU will assess its roster's performance before the game against Florida, focusing on the integration of new players and tested strategies. Ticket sales for the showdown begin on October 20, with anticipation building around the event.

Bottom Line

The upcoming game against Florida signifies a critical opportunity for GCU to prove its competitiveness on a national stage, showcasing its players to NBA scouts and enhancing its reputation as a rising program.