In a major coup for the Grand Canyon Antelopes, Turkish center Efe Demirel has committed to the team, according to renowned college basketball insider Jonathan Givony. This significant addition comes as the Antelopes look to reload for their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
The 20-year-old Demirel is a skilled and mobile 7-footer with impressive credentials. He has played rotation minutes for Karsiyaka in the Turkish first division and has experience playing for Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Demirel’s stats speak for themselves: 18 points and 7 rebounds in his last game, showcasing his potential to make an immediate impact.
Demirel’s basketball journey began in 2021-22 with Lima SK Denergi in the TB2L, and he made his debut with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2022-23. During the 2022-23 U18 Tournament, he started four games, scoring 15 points and pulling down 15 rebounds across the event. His impressive performance demonstrates his ability to dominate on the court.
The Antelopes are set to welcome Demirel to a roster that already features talented players like 6-foot-9 sophomore Kaleb Smith, who averaged 11 points per game for UC Riverside last season. Smith, who has two years of eligibility remaining, announced his transfer to Grand Canyon on May 2. The addition of Demirel and Smith will help offset the departures of Duke Brennan and JaKobe Coles.
Furthermore, the Antelopes have also added 6-foot-8 forward Nana Owusu-Anane from Brown University. Although he missed the 2024-25 season due to injury, Owusu-Anane was a standout in 2023-24, averaging 14.7 points per game and earning second-team All-Ivy League honors. With Demirel, Smith, and Owusu-Anane on board, the Antelopes are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Bryce Drew’s track record speaks for itself: 120-40 record over five seasons, with four NCAA Tournament appearances. Drew has consistently demonstrated his ability to build strong teams and lead them to success. With Demirel’s commitment, the Antelopes are well-equipped to make a memorable postseason push. The stage is set for an exciting season ahead, and fans are eagerly anticipating the impact Demirel will have on the team. Will Demirel be the missing piece to help Grand Canyon achieve greatness? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Antelopes are ready to take on the challenge.
