In the world of collegiate club basketball, Grand Canyon University’s Men’s Club Basketball Team has achieved a level of dominance that is hard to ignore. Currently ranked as the #1 NIRSA National Team in the country, the Lopes have solidified themselves as the team to beat, thanks to the vision and leadership of Coach Lamont Lane.
This season, in Lane’s sixth year as head coach, the Lopes boast an impressive 17-5 record, built on a grueling schedule packed with matchups against top-tier JUCO and NAIA programs. Lane’s commitment to challenging his team has paid off, with marquee wins like:
- A 78-56 victory over South Mountain Community College.
- An 81-50 blowout against Phoenix College.
- Two nail-biting battles against Arizona Western College, including a narrow 62-67 road loss.
- A decisive 87-72 win over Scottsdale Community College.
These results demonstrate that GCU’s Men’s Club Basketball program is no longer just a dominant club team—it’s competing with, and often defeating, some of the best junior college programs in the country.
A Journey of Dedication and Sacrifice
Lane’s journey to becoming one of the most successful coaches in collegiate club basketball is as inspiring as it is challenging. While leading the Lopes to national prominence, Lane pursued and completed both his BA in Sports Management and his MBA through GCU. Remarkably, he paid for his education out of his own pocket, all while earning a salary of less than $10,000 annually—a shockingly low figure for a coach of his caliber.
His dual role as coach and student highlights his unwavering work ethic and dedication, not just to his players but to his own personal growth. Balancing rigorous coursework with the demands of coaching a nationally ranked team is a testament to Lane’s resilience and time management.
A Track Record of Excellence
Lane’s ability to transform programs into championship contenders is nothing new. Before arriving at GCU, he led Purdue University’s club basketball team to a 27-3 record and an NCBBA National Championship in 2016-17. At GCU, his impact has been immediate and sustained:
- 2023-24: 30-5, ACBL Conference Champions, NIRSA National Champions.
- 2022-23: 24-6, ACBL Conference Champions.
- 2021-22: 20-4, ACBL Champions, National Championship Runner-Up.
This season, Lane took his philosophy of challenging his players to new heights, scheduling more JUCO and NAIA opponents than ever before. His goal? To push his team beyond the traditional limits of collegiate club basketball and prepare them for elite competition.
The Unspoken Struggles of an African American Coach at GCU
Despite his success, Lane’s contributions appear undervalued. Insider sources reveal that Lane is one of the lowest-paid coaches at GCU Club Sports, even as the program thrives under his leadership. Compounding this issue are allegations of systemic inequities within the club sports department.
Over the past three years, two African American men who coached GCU’s Women’s Club Basketball program left their positions, citing unfair treatment from players and staff. This troubling pattern raises questions about how GCU supports its Black coaches. Lane has declined to comment on these allegations or his own compensation, but his silence highlights the broader challenges faced by minority coaches in collegiate athletics.
Why Lamont Lane Is the Perfect Fit for Any Program
For struggling D2 programs, Lane represents a rare opportunity to bring in a coach who not only wins but builds sustainable success. His ability to recruit overlooked talent, particularly from the Midwest, is unmatched. And unlike many D1 assistants who view lower-division programs as stepping stones, Lane has demonstrated a commitment to creating lasting change.
Programs like Fort Hays State, Western Oregon University, and East Central University—all in need of a culture shift—would benefit immensely from Lane’s leadership. His ability to quickly build competitive programs, combined with his academic and professional background, makes him an ideal candidate for schools looking to turn their basketball fortunes around.
What’s Next for Coach Lane?
As the Lopes march toward another NIRSA National Championship, Lane’s future at GCU remains uncertain. While his team flourishes, the institution has yet to provide the resources or recognition that reflect his impact. With his resume and reputation continuing to grow, it’s only a matter of time before other programs come calling.
For now, Lane remains focused on his players, pushing them to exceed expectations against some of the toughest competition in the country. But as the collegiate basketball landscape evolves, GCU must ask itself: How long can they afford to undervalue one of the most talented coaches in the game?