GCU Basketball Lands Versatile Forward Nana Owusu-Anane: Breaking Down His Fit, Style, and Impact
- Jordon Leon
- Apr 25
- 5 min read
Nana Owusu-Anane’s transfer to Grand Canyon University (GCU) marks a significant addition to the Antelopes' basketball program. His blend of athleticism, versatility, and leadership is expected to make an immediate impact. Below is an expanded analysis of his profile, fit, potential, and projected role at GCU.
Player Profile and Style of Play for Nana Owusu-Anane
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds, Nana Owusu-Anane is a versatile, physical forward whose game is built on effort, strength, and skill development. His frame and athleticism make him a natural fit as a modern four — with the potential to slide to the five in smaller lineups or even defend threes in a pinch — offering Grand Canyon University positional flexibility on both ends of the court.
Offensively, Owusu-Anane has grown into a reliable scoring option. His bread and butter is in the post, where he uses strong footwork, good balance, and upper-body strength to create high-percentage looks. He’s particularly effective at sealing defenders deep in the paint, finishing through contact, and using shoulder fakes and pivot moves to carve out space. His field goal percentage of 46.8% last season at Brown (2023–24) reflects his ability to convert in traffic and make smart decisions with the ball.
What makes him especially intriguing is his evolving face-up and perimeter game. He shot 31.0% from three-point range on 1.2 attempts per game — a modest volume, but enough to force defenses to respect him beyond the arc. His jump shot from the elbows and short corners is smooth and repeatable, giving GCU a stretch-forward option in pick-and-pop situations. If he continues to expand this part of his game, he becomes a true inside-out scoring threat.
Owusu-Anane is also an underrated passer. Whether from the high post or when doubled on the block, he’s shown the ability to read defenses and kick out to open shooters or hit cutters — a skill that will be valuable in GCU’s motion-heavy offense.
Owusu-Anane brings both physical tools and high basketball IQ. His length and quick feet allow him to switch onto smaller players, while his strength lets him hold his ground against bigs. He doesn’t gamble unnecessarily, but reads passing lanes and times his contests well. His ability to anchor defensive rotations and communicate on switches makes him a potential lynchpin in GCU’s defensive schemes.
Rebounding is one of his most consistent and impactful areas. Ranking third in the Ivy League with 8.8 boards per game, Owusu-Anane consistently outworks opponents on the glass. He boxes out with purpose, tracks down long rebounds, and uses quick second jumps to secure 50/50 balls — often igniting transition opportunities for his team.
Fit with GCU's Style and Culture
Grand Canyon University (GCU), under head coach Bryce Drew, has rapidly established itself as a formidable mid-major basketball program. The team's identity is rooted in a high-tempo, defense-oriented style of play, emphasizing versatility, physicality, and team-first leadership. In this context, Nana Owusu-Anane's transfer to GCU is a strategic acquisition that aligns seamlessly with the program's philosophy.
Owusu-Anane's defensive capabilities are particularly noteworthy. During the 2023–24 season at Brown University, he averaged 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, showcasing his anticipation and defensive instincts. His rebounding prowess, further underscores his ability to control the glass and initiate fast breaks, a critical component of GCU's transition offense.
Offensively, Owusu-Anane brings a mature skill set that includes effective post scoring, passing out of double teams, and an emerging perimeter shot. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 14.7 points per game with a field goal percentage of 46.8%. His ability to stretch the floor and facilitate ball movement aligns with GCU's emphasis on offensive versatility and spacing.
Culturally, Owusu-Anane's experience as a two-time captain at Brown reflects his leadership qualities and commitment to team cohesion. His leadership is expected to contribute positively to GCU's team culture, fostering a competitive and cohesive environment. His maturity and experience will be invaluable in guiding younger players and maintaining the team's focus during high-pressure situations.
In summary, Nana Owusu-Anane's transfer to GCU represents a strategic fit that enhances the team's defensive strength, offensive versatility, and leadership depth. His skill set and experience align with GCU's high-tempo, defense-oriented style of play, positioning the team for continued success in the Western Athletic Conference and beyond.
Potential and Development Trajectory
Owusu-Anane's collegiate career has shown a consistent upward trajectory:
2021–22: Averaged 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
2022–23: Improved to 10.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
2023–24: Achieved 14.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-Ivy honors.
This progression indicates a strong work ethic and the capacity for further development. At GCU, he is poised to take on a more prominent role, potentially leading the team in both scoring and rebounding.
Floor and Ceiling as a Player
Floor:
At his baseline, Nana Owusu-Anane projects as a high-floor player thanks to his strong foundational skills. His ability to rebound at a high level, defend multiple positions, and make hustle plays ensures he will have a consistent role in any lineup GCU puts on the court. Even if his offensive game doesn’t expand much beyond what he showed at Brown, his interior scoring, second-chance points, and defensive presence give him clear utility. He could easily average 8–10 points and 6–8 rebounds per game in the WAC without needing to be a focal point offensively. His maturity, experience as a former team captain, and willingness to do the dirty work — diving for loose balls, setting solid screens, boxing out — will make him a trusted player in Bryce Drew’s rotation, particularly in high-stakes conference matchups and March scenarios.
Ceiling:
If Owusu-Anane’s perimeter game continues to develop — especially his three-point shooting and face-up ability — he could blossom into one of the most complete forwards in the conference. A leap in shot-making from beyond the arc would stretch opposing defenses, creating more space for GCU's guards and allowing him to operate as a true inside-out threat. Additionally, improving his playmaking from the high post could unlock new offensive sets where he serves as a facilitator in GCU’s offense, further diversifying their attack. Defensively, he already has the instincts to switch onto wings and guards in small-ball lineups, and if he continues to polish his footwork and timing, he could become an elite two-way player in the conference. With this trajectory, Owusu-Anane has the potential to earn All-Conference First Team honors and become a conference Player of the Year candidate. His skill set — paired with continued growth — could also earn him a shot at the G League, overseas pro leagues, or potentially an NBA Summer League invite due to his size, motor, and two-way versatility.
Conclusion
Nana Owusu-Anane's transfer to Grand Canyon University represents a strategic acquisition that bolsters the team's frontcourt depth and overall competitiveness. His blend of experience, skill, and leadership is anticipated to make an immediate impact, aligning with GCU's objectives of excelling in the WAC and making a significant impression in the NCAA tournament.
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