Grand Canyon University announced today that they have extended the contract of head men’s basketball coach, Dan Majerle, through the 2017-18 season. Financial terms of the agreement were not released.
"Coach Majerle exceeded expectations in our initial year of the Division I membership process," said Grand Canyon President Brian Mueller. "We are pleased to announce that we have extended his contract to include an additional year and a salary increase. We are excited about the coming season and the future of GCU basketball."
Majerle led the Antelopes last season to a 15-15 overall record, including a 10-6 mark in the Western Athletic Conference, good enough for sole possession of third place. GCU also received a bid to the College Insider.com Postseason Tournament.
"Dan had a tremendous first season in Division I basketball for GCU," said Jerry Colangelo, Consultant for GCU. "He made a major statement regarding his coaching ability. I think this was appropriate for his contract to be reviewed and extended in regards to a job well done. This is a win-win for coach Majerle and the university and spells great things for the future."
Under Majerle, Antelopes players were recognized as some of the best in the conference. Killian Larson was named an All-WAC First Team selection and led the nation in rebounds per game (11.6) and was tied for third in all of Division I with 21 double-doubles. Additionally, Jerome Garrison was named to the All-WAC Second Team and All-WAC Defensive Team, while Daniel Alexander earned All-Newcomer status.
"I am very excited," said Majerle. "I have a long-term plan here to make this a top-20 program in the country. We had a great season this year and I’m very fortunate to have the support of the president and the entire university to make our goals for the program a reality. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the GCU family and plan to be here for a long time."
GCU saw an 83 percent increase in attendance last season at Grand Canyon University Arena, averaging 4,373 fans, compared to 2,396 in 2012-13. GCU Arena is currently undergoing an expansion that will allow for just over 7,000 fans for basketball next season.
Majerle came to GCU in March of 2013 after spending the previous five years as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. He is one of the most popular figures in Suns history, having also played eight seasons with the team from 1988-95 and 2001-02. In all, Majerle played 14 seasons in the NBA and averaged 11.4 points over 955 career games. He made three NBA All-Star appearances and also was named to the 1990-91 and 1992-93 NBA All-Defensive second team.
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