Commodores earn at-large bid
March 16, 2026
NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship
For the first time since 1972, the Gulf Coast State College Commodores are headed to the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The 2020 Commodores won the FCSAA Division I Men's Basketball Region 8 Tournament, but their season was cut short when the NJCAA National Championship was canceled due to COVID-19. That ended what would have been a 48-year drought for the program.
Now, 54 years after Gulf Coast State's last trip to the national tournament, the 2026 Commodores are officially heading back to Hutchinson. Gulf Coast State earned an at-large bid to the national championship and will enter the tournament as the #14 seed. The Commodores will face #19 Brunswick in the first round on Saturday, March 21, at 8 pm.
In just his second season as head coach, Lane Below has led the Commodores to a 48-17 overall record (including current wins and losses) a .738 winning percentage.
"So happy that our guys are going to get to experience the National Tournament in Hutchinson, KS," said Head Coach Lane Below. "I'm glad our body of work was recognized and got us an at-large bid. We are extremely excited about the opportunity to compete and look forward to getting out to Kansas. Go Dores!"
Catch the games on ESPN+