A New Era for GNAC Basketball
Matt Thune, the head coach of the Alaska Anchorage women's basketball program, will guide a select group of GNAC all‑stars on a historic journey to Portugal in the spring of 2027.
The itinerary, scheduled from May 12 to May 21, will see the team face four Portuguese professional clubs in a series of exhibition matches, while also immersing the athletes in the country’s cultural and historical landmarks.
The tour marks the first Eurobasket excursion organized by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, aiming to raise the profile of Division II women's basketball on an international stage and to give student‑athletes a taste of competition against top‑level pros.
Thune’s first season at Alaska Anchorage ended with a 16‑11 record, a milestone that underscores the program’s rapid growth and adds credibility to the upcoming overseas showcase.
Beyond the games, the trip is designed to broaden the athletes’ post‑collegiate horizons, offering networking opportunities and a deeper appreciation of global basketball culture.
Eurobasket’s role in facilitating the tour reflects a growing willingness among international leagues to partner with U.S. collegiate programs, signaling a new chapter for NCAA Division II women's basketball.