GNAC Men’s Basketball Offseason Report

It may be summer but college basketball programs never truly hit an ‘offseason.’ There's almost always some kind of action for each of the 24 D2 men’s basketball conferences, and something to discuss, including a 2015-16 review, BennettRank and how each program performed versus the pre-season polls. In some cases, there have been coaching changes plus some key losses, not to mention returning players to watch for once the season gets underway.

Staying in the West Region, we take a look at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

2015-2016 GNAC Standings | BennettRank (BR) Recap

NCAA Tournament Recap

WEST REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS (First Round)

Western Oregon 82, Humboldt State 65
Azusa Pacific 77, Seattle Pacific 66

WEST REGIONAL SEMIFINALS (Second Round)

Western Oregon 81, Azusa Pacific 69

WEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (Third Round)

Western Oregon 60, UC-San Diego 55

NATIONAL QUARTERFINALS (Elite Eight)

Western Oregon 81, Saginaw Valley State 68

NATIONAL SEMIFINALS (Final Four)

Augustana (S.D.) 74, Western Oregon 55

Coaching and Membership Changes

Concordia-Portland: The NCAA approved Concordia’s admission into Provisional Year Three of their transition from the NAIA. Concordia will become eligible for GNAC and NCAA post-season play in 2017-2018 pending successful completion of Provisional Year Three.

“This move was a long-term strategic plan for the university and it absolutely takes the entire university to be behind the move in order to be successful. That being said, the support across campus has been phenomenal in helping us get to this stage. We can't thank the staffs and coaches enough for their diligence through these endeavors.” — Concordia-Portland AD Brian Jamros

Seattle Pacific: Grant Leep makes the jump from assistant coach to head coach after Ryan Looney took the head coaching job at Point Loma. Looney went 164-51 in his seven seasons at Seattle Pacific.

“It was an honor offering Grant the position because he is ready to be a head coach and displays the personal character that Seattle Pacific values so highly. Grant Leep will continue the long tradition of successful Falcons coaches. SPU’s winning ways will be in good hands.” — Seattle Pacific AD Tom Box

Simon Fraser: After one season as head coach with a 2-24 record, Virgil Hill resigned in April; assistant coach Steve Hanson will take over as head coach.

“Steve has demonstrated technical expertise in his coaching and teaching abilities, and he displays the personal character that Simon Fraser values so highly. Steve will lead the program with integrity, class and mutual respect while ensuring our student-athletes reach their full potential in their academic and athletic endeavors.” — Simon Fraser AD Theresa Hanson (no relation)

All-GNAC Performers

Key Losses

Brian McGill, G, Alaska Anchorage: 17.8 ppg (Second Team)
Travante Williams, F, Alaska Fairbanks: 18.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg (First Team)
Almir Hadzishevoic, C, Alaska Fairbanks: 12.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Joseph Stroud, C, Central Washington: 16.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg (First Team)
Gary Jacobs, G, Central Washington: 14.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Mitch Penner, F, Seattle Pacific: 18.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg (First Team)
Gilles Dierickx, C, Seattle Pacific: 11.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg (Second Team)
Bryce Leavitt, G, Seattle Pacific: 9.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Michael Harper, G/F, Simon Fraser: 13.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Andy Avgi, F, Western Oregon: 19.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg (First Team)
Julian Nichols, G, Western Oregon: 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg (Second Team)
Jordan Wiley, G, Western Oregon: 10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Kyle Impero, G, Western Washington: 15.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg (Second Team)
Ricardo Maxwell, G, Western Washington: 16.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg (Honorable Mention)

Key Returnees

Drew Martin, Sr. F, Concordia-Portland: 15.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Latrell Wilson, Sr. G, Concordia-Portland: 14.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Preston Beverly, Soph. F, Montana State Billings: 13.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Marc Matthews, Sr. G, Montana State Billings: 14.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Bouna N’Diaye, Sr. G, Northwest Nazarene: 15.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Fred Jorg, Sr. C, Saint Martin’s: 10.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Sekou “Suki” Wiggs, Sr. G, Alaska Anchorage: 24.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg (First Team)
Corey Hammell, Sr. F, Alaska Anchorage: 12.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg (Second Team)
Spencer Svejcar, Sr. G, Alaska Anchorage: 11.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg (Honorable Mention)
Tanner Omlid, Jr. F, Western Oregon: 10.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg (Second Team)
Jeffrey Parker, Sr. F, Western Washington: 17.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg (First Team)