In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where the transfer portal can rewrite team destinies overnight, DePaul coach Bryce Drew is learning a harsh lesson early in the season. Two of his former Grand Canyon University players, Tyon Grant-Foster and Duke Brennan, are not just succeeding elsewhere—they’re thriving spectacularly, with Grant-Foster lighting up Gonzaga and Brennan shattering rebounding records at Villanova. This twist of fate underscores the volatile nature of modern Sports rosters, leaving Drew’s Blue Demons scrambling to find their footing amid a sea of changes.
Tyon Grant-Foster Emerges as Gonzaga’s Dynamic Force
Just months after entering the transfer portal following a solid but unremarkable stint at Grand Canyon, Tyon Grant-Foster has transformed into a cornerstone for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The 6-foot-7 guard, who averaged 12.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season under Drew, is now averaging an eye-popping 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through the first 10 games of the 2023-24 campaign. His explosive athleticism and improved three-point shooting—hitting 42% from beyond the arc—have made him a fan favorite in Spokane, drawing live crowds that buzz with excitement during every fast break.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few couldn’t hide his delight after Grant-Foster’s 25-point explosion in a recent win over Washington State, telling reporters, “Tyon’s bought into our system immediately. He’s got that strong motor we love, and it’s paying off big time.” This surge comes at a pivotal time for the Bulldogs, who are navigating a tough non-conference schedules packed with ranked opponents. Fans tuning into video highlights on CBS Sports platforms are raving about his highlight-reel dunks, which have gone viral on social media, boosting the team’s national profile.
Grant-Foster’s journey to Gonzaga wasn’t without hurdles. After entering the portal in April, he fielded offers from powerhouses like USC and Texas but chose the Bulldogs for their track record of developing transfers into NBA prospects. “I wanted a place where I could grow my game,” Grant-Foster said in a post-game interview. “Coach Few’s vision aligned with mine.” His impact extends beyond stats; he’s mentoring younger players, helping Gonzaga maintain their status as a perennial news maker in college hoops.
Statistically, Grant-Foster’s efficiency stands out. According to advanced metrics from KenPom, he’s ranking in the top 5% nationally in offensive rating, a far cry from his Grand Canyon days where defensive lapses sometimes held him back. As Gonzaga eyes a deep March Madness run, Grant-Foster’s form could be the X-factor, especially in upcoming games against Big Ten foes. For fantasy basketball enthusiasts on platforms like CBS Sports, he’s become a must-add, with his scoring bursts providing consistent points in daily lineups.
Duke Brennan’s Rebounding Rampage Leads Villanova to Early Wins
Meanwhile, across the country at Villanova, Duke Brennan is rewriting the record books one board at a time. The 6-foot-10 forward, who transferred from Grand Canyon after averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds last year, is currently leading the nation in rebounding with an astonishing 14.2 per game. In a stunning debut against Penn, he hauled in 18 rebounds, including 7 offensive, powering the Wildcats to a 78-62 victory that sent shockwaves through the college sports landscape.
Villanova coach Kyle Neptune praised Brennan’s tenacity after a gritty win over Temple, stating, “Duke’s got that strong, relentless drive on the glass. He’s changing the culture here.” Brennan’s dominance isn’t limited to rebounds; he’s chipping in 12.1 points and 2.3 blocks per contest, making him a defensive anchor for a team rebuilding after recent NCAA Tournament heartbreaks. His live performances are must-watch TV, with CBS Sports video clips capturing his tip-ins and putbacks that have fans chanting his name in the Palestra.
Entering the portal was a bold move for Brennan, who felt overshadowed in Grand Canyon’s up-tempo system. “I needed a fresh start where my rebounding could shine,” he explained in a recent news conference. Villanova, with its storied Big East pedigree, provided that opportunity. Early-season scores reflect his influence: the Wildcats are 9-1, with Brennan grabbing double-digit rebounds in every outing. Advanced analytics highlight his plus-12.4 net rating, placing him among the elite big men nationally.
For fantasy managers, Brennan’s rebounding prowess translates to easy double-doubles, making him a hot commodity in fantasy games. As Villanova’s schedules intensify with conference play looming, Brennan’s role will be crucial against rebounding machines like UConn’s Donovan Clingan. His success story is a testament to the transfer portal’s power to unlock hidden potential, turning a solid role player into a national sensation.
Bryce Drew Navigates Roster Overhaul at DePaul
Back in Chicago, Bryce Drew is staring down the barrel of an unfamiliar challenge: rebuilding without the players he once coached. After a disappointing 2022-23 season at Grand Canyon that ended in the NCAA Tournament’s first round, Drew took the DePaul job in March 2023, inheriting a program mired in mediocrity. But the transfer portal struck swiftly, with Grant-Foster and Brennan departing for greener pastures, leaving the Blue Demons with a bevy of new faces to integrate.
Drew, a former Vanderbilt standout and NBA player, has a coaching resume dotted with highs and lows. At Grand Canyon, he led the Antelopes to back-to-back 20-win seasons, but the portal exodus has tested his adaptability. “We’re adjusting to a new group, but that’s the nature of the game now,” Drew said after a narrow loss to Loyola Chicago, where DePaul’s rebounding woes were evident—managing just 28 boards to the Ramblers’ 42. The team’s current record stands at 5-5, with live scores showing flashes of potential but consistent lapses in execution.
Incorporating transfers like Jalen Terry from Rhode Island and Connor Evans from Wyoming, Drew’s squad is a patchwork of talent. Terry, a scoring wing, is averaging 15.3 points but struggling with turnovers, while Evans provides veteran leadership at point guard. Drew’s strategy emphasizes defense and pace, drawing from his father’s successful Valparaiso days. Yet, without Brennan’s interior presence, DePaul ranks 280th nationally in rebounding margin, a stark contrast to Villanova’s Brennan-led dominance.
Behind the scenes, Drew has leaned on video analysis to accelerate chemistry building. CBS Sports insiders report that practices are intense, with Drew implementing film sessions that highlight opponents’ schedules and tendencies. For fans following the Blue Demons, the news is mixed: exciting games against Big East rivals like Marquette await, but early inconsistencies have tempered optimism. In the fantasy realm, DePaul players aren’t yet household names, but Terry’s scoring could change that as the season progresses.
The broader context of Drew’s situation mirrors a trend in college sports. According to NCAA data, over 1,800 players entered the portal last offseason, up 20% from the previous year. Coaches like Drew must now recruit not just high schoolers but proven college talents, a shift that’s equal parts opportunity and chaos. Drew’s strong track record— including a 27-win season at Vanderbilt in 2016—suggests he can turn it around, but patience will be key for DePaul’s long-suffering fanbase.
Transfer Portal’s Ripple Effects on College Basketball Landscape
The departures of Grant-Foster and Brennan aren’t isolated incidents; they’re symptomatic of the transfer portal’s seismic impact on college basketball. What began as a mechanism for player mobility has evolved into a high-wire act for coaches, reshaping rosters and strategies mid-season. At schools like Gonzaga and Villanova, these additions have injected immediate star power, propelling them up power rankings and into the national spotlight.
Consider the numbers: Gonzaga’s offensive efficiency has jumped 8 spots to No. 12 under Grant-Foster’s influence, per KenPom, while Villanova’s defensive rebounding percentage leads the Big East at 78.4%, thanks to Brennan. For CBS Sports, this translates to compelling content—live broadcasts drawing higher ratings, in-depth video breakdowns, and interactive fantasy tools that keep fans engaged year-round.
Quotes from around the league highlight the portal’s double-edged sword. Kansas coach Bill Self noted, “It’s a new era where loyalty is fleeting, but talent wins out.” At DePaul, athletic director DeLores Izard has voiced support for Drew, emphasizing long-term vision amid the turnover. The portal’s effects extend to schedules, as teams like the Bulldogs and Wildcats now boast lineups capable of upsetting blue-bloods, altering tournament projections.
In games watched by millions, these stories add emotional depth. Grant-Foster’s redemption arc—from portal uncertainty to Gonzaga stardom—inspires young athletes, while Brennan’s rebounding clinic showcases blue-collar grit. For sports news outlets, it’s prime real estate: articles on player impacts, podcasts dissecting transfers, and apps updating scores in real-time.
Looking beyond individual teams, the portal raises questions about equity. Mid-major programs like Grand Canyon lose key pieces to power conferences, widening the gap. Yet, success stories like UCF’s resurgence under Johnny Dawkins show that savvy recruiting can level the field. As the season unfolds, expect more news on portal alumni making waves, from scoring titles to All-American nods.
What’s Next for Drew, His Transfers, and the Demons’ Redemption Arc
As Big East play heats up, Bryce Drew faces a gauntlet that could define his DePaul tenure. Upcoming schedules include clashes with Villanova on January 20 and a home date against Providence, where rebounding battles will be decisive. Drew’s plan? Double down on perimeter defense and foster leadership among his transfers. “We’re building something special here,” he assured fans after a recent win. If Terry and Evans gel, DePaul could surprise, potentially earning an NIT bid and breathing new life into a program dormant since its 2021 tournament appearance.
For Grant-Foster, the road leads through the West Coast Conference, with Gonzaga favored for another title. A deep NCAA run could propel him to the NBA Draft’s green room, where scouts already project him as a second-round pick. Brennan, meanwhile, eyes All-Big East honors, his rebounding clinic positioning Villanova for a top-4 seed. In fantasy circles, both are gold, with Grant-Foster’s versatility and Brennan’s boards providing matchup-proof value.
The transfer portal’s legacy will continue to unfold, influencing everything from live scores to video montages that capture the drama. For coaches like Drew, adaptation is survival; for players like Grant-Foster and Brennan, it’s liberation. As college basketball evolves, these narratives promise more thrills, heartbreak, and triumphs, keeping fans hooked on the ever-changing sports saga. DePaul’s next steps could spark a turnaround, but with ex-stars shining elsewhere, the pressure is on to prove the Demons can roar back.
