With Selection Sunday quickly approaching, it is time to start taking a look at the teams that are going to make noise outside the power structure. Every Monday, I’ll spotlight a team and player making significant noise the week prior. This week, we are going to take a look at Bryce Drew’s Antelopes of Grand Canyon who are looking to supplant New Mexico State as the King of the WAC.
Team of the Week: Grand Canyon Antelopes
Record: 12-3
KenPom Rank: 118
Projected Seed: 14
The Antelopes have been a consistently good program since their rise to the division I level. In 2021 though, they have taken a leap. They are looking to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time under coach Bryce Drew. This week, they extended their undefeated WAC record to 6-0 with a home sweep over conference bully New Mexico State.
Led by three double figure scorers: Javon Blacksher, Asbjorn Midtgaard, and Alessandro Lever, GCU is a balanced attack. Midtgaard and Lever, could create a match up problem for any team come tournament time. At 7′ and 6’10 respectably, they are both skilled scorers and rebounders. Projected to win every remaining game, the Antelopes could go into March as a trendy pick to pull off an upset.
Player of the Week: Grant Sherfield, Nevada
One of the best guards in the country that you probably have not heard of is Grant Sherfield. The one time UCLA recruit led a surging Nevada team to two wins over projected tournament team Boise State. The Wichita State transfer posted 20+ points twice and had a double double in the first game. Perhaps most impressively he hit a game winning jumper in Friday Night’s two point win over the Broncos.
The Sophomore is now averaging 18 points and six assists per game for the Wolfpack. While the Mountain West has experienced a resurgence in 2021 with four possible at-large teams. Do not count out Nevada if Sherfield and Co. get hot during the conference tournament.
Mid Major Top 10 2/8
- Gonzaga: The Bulldogs got a scare on Thursday Night against Pacific. They won by 18. At BYU tonight will be their toughest remaining game barring a schedule addition.
- Loyola Chicago: Porter Moser’s Ramblers keep running through the MVC. Weekend series at Drake is must see TV and will determine regular season champion.
- San Diego State: Aztecs have won four straight games by 27+ points and continue to climb in the metrics. States schedule is littered with quad 1 and 2 wins.
- Saint Louis: Loss at La Salle was tough but the Billikens righted the ship against Saint Bonaventure. That convincing win was more than needed to keep their at-large resume afloat.
- Drake: The dream of an undefeated season is over but a run in March is not. Bulldogs have to play better against Loyola to have a chance this weekend in a huge set at home.
- BYU: Blew out Portland in the only game they played this week. Home against Gonzaga could determine if they are a tournament team, as usual.
- Saint Bonaventure: Bonnies lost against SLU in their only game this week. Will look to rebound at home against La Salle then @VCU.
- Boise State: Extremely tough week for the Broncos who suffered a sweep at Nevada. Home series against UNLV should stop their skid before a tough finish against MWC contenders.
- Belmont: Two dominant wins in the OVC this week. Favored by double digits in every remaining game. Casey Alexander’s squad could climb toward at large consideration.
- VCU: Another contender for player of the week was Rams guard Bones Hyland. VCU’s star hit a game winning three in their OT victory at Rhode Island.
Also Considered: Western Kentucky, Utah State, Colorado State, Toledo, Winthrop