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Portal Chaos: Lopes Struggle for Consistency

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 15th 2026 at 19:16 GMT by AZ Central

A Constant Flux: The Portal's Impact

Four players have left the program through the transfer portal, while four new players have joined the team. This constant churn presents a unique difficulty - building chemistry and consistency becomes a far more complex undertaking. The Lopes' current record of 9-5, while respectable, is punctuated by concerning stumbles, including a puzzling loss to Utah Valley University earlier this week. This recent dip in form underscores the difficulties in forging a cohesive unit when the roster is in perpetual motion.

"We've got talent," Coach Drew acknowledged, "But until we can get our chemistry and our consistency, we're going to be a work in progress. That's just the nature of it." The transfer portal, a relatively new phenomenon, allows players to enter their name and immediately be contacted by other schools, fundamentally reshaping the power dynamics within college basketball. It's become a double-edged sword - offering opportunities for players but also destabilizing established programs.

Leadership and Adaptation

Senior guard Justyn Johnson, a returning veteran, echoed Drew's sentiments. He emphasizes the ongoing process of integration and the struggle to find a collective rhythm. "We're still trying to figure things out," Johnson stated. "We have a lot of new guys, a lot of talent, but we're still trying to find our rhythm and how we can play together." The pressure falls heavily on the returning players to step up and provide leadership amidst the upheaval.

Drew stresses that while the transfer portal's influence is undeniable, the program's focus remains on the controllable elements - recruiting, player development, and upholding the team's core values. "It's a factor, no doubt," Drew said. "You can't ignore it. But you also can't let it define you."

Maintaining Identity in a Changing Game

The challenge isn't just about acquiring talent; it's about seamlessly integrating new players into the existing system and maintaining the program's established defensive philosophy. Drew believes in the potential of the new additions and is encouraged by their willingness to learn and contribute. He is looking for players who will "buy in," work hard, and embrace their roles as teammates. This requires a delicate balance - fostering individual growth while preserving the team's overall identity and strategic approach.

Grand Canyon's upcoming game against San Jose State at Footprint Center offers an opportunity to showcase progress and regain momentum. The Lopes aim to demonstrate their ability to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by the transfer portal era, reaffirming their place as a competitive force in college basketball. The game will be a key indicator of how well the team is absorbing the new players and re-establishing its identity, a process that will define the program's trajectory in the years to come. The Lopes' ability to navigate these turbulent waters will be crucial in maintaining their success and proving that consistency can still be achieved in a landscape defined by constant change.