When the Colorado Christian men's basketball team capped off their 2016-17 season with a NCCAA National Championship, it marked one of the greatest statistical seasons in the program's history. It was the second time in the last three years that CCU brought the title back to Lakewood as they also won in 2015. In four of the last five years, the Cougars have earned a birth into the conference tournament. This year, the Cougs picked up a victory in the opening round of the tournament by knocking off third seed CSU-Pueblo to secure their spot in the RMAC Shootout Final Four for the first time since 2010.  
 
The tremendous trio of Brett Brady, Dimitri Saliba, and Ty McGee led the team to 19 victories on the season, which tied for the third most wins in school history. Brady, Saliba, McGee and Jacob Taylor all averaged double figures in points on the year, which marks just the fifth time in school history that four players averaged double digit points, and first time since the 2008-09 season.
 
The team broke several school records for a single season. They set records for field goals made with 1,010, and field goals attempted with 2,094, and also set the school record for points in a season with 2,857. CCU also did a magnificent job of hanging onto the basketball, as they set a new record for fewest turnovers per game averaging just 12.6. They also did a good job on the defensive glass, grabbing a record 916 defensive rebounds
 
Head coach Kevin Lubbers was recently named the National Christian College Athletic Association D1 Coach of the Year. A feat that no other coach in program history can claim. Along with this honor, Lubbers also became the program's all-time winningest coach, passing his predecessor David Daniels who had amassed 80 wins in his career. Through six years with the program, Lubbers has collected 89 victories at the helm. The past five years have been the most successful in school history. They have earned more wins (85) during that span than any other five year stretch in the program.
 
Brett Brady:
Brady had one of the best single seasons in school history, as he obliterated the school record for three pointers made in a season with 115. He becomes the first player in program history to hit 100 threes in a season, as the previous record was 98 set by Michael Brown in the 2014-15 season. His work beyond the arc placed him second on the RMAC single season list, just seven made three's behind the current record holder (122, Mike Zeigler, School of Mines, 1987-88). He attempted 261 three's on the year, which was also a school record and placed him fourth for a single season in RMAC history.
 
Brady finished the year with the third most points (648) in program history, behind Brian Stamer who scored 650 points during the 2007-08 season, and Tom Murphy who scored 695 during the 1990-91 season. He shot over 44% from downtown, which gave him the second highest three point percentage in his career. His work on the year earned him a selection to First Team All-RMAC, while his performance in the NCCAA tournament earned him a selection the All-Tournament team.
 
Dimitri Saliba:
Saliba also was a standout on the court this season, and got stronger as the year progressed and was one of the main reasons for the team's postseason success. He was the main facilitator as he finished the year leading the team with 164 assists, which places him in the top 10 all-time for a single season. He also established himself as a scoring threat, finishing the year scoring double-digit points in 33 of the 35 games played. His 594 points and 220 made field goals on the year places him fifth all-time for single season scoring in school history.
 
He was named Second Team All-RMAC for his stellar play in the regular season, and was then named to the RMAC All-Tournament team after leading CCU to their first RMAC postseason victory since the 2009-2010 season. He continued his outstanding play in the NCCAA tournament as he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, and was named to the All-Tournament team. He also was awarded as a NCCAA Second Team All-American.
 
Ty McGee:
McGee was consistent all year as he averaged 16.2 points per game, and 7.1 rebounds. The junior tallied 551 points on the year, which placed him in the top 10 for scoring in a single season for the program. He finished the season with 165 free throws made and 226 attempted, which both rank fourth all-time. He finished the season with four double-doubles, including in the NCCAA Championship game where he grabbed a season high 16 boards in route to the title.
 
McGee is climbing his way up the all-time career leaderboards for CCU. Heading into his senior year next season, he is 12 points shy of 1,000 in his career, and 18 rebounds shy of 500. He will become the 6^th player in school history to achieve both marks. McGee has a chance to go down as one of the best all-around players as he is within striking distance of cracking the top 10 for points, field goals made, free throws made and attempted, assists, steals, and rebounds.
 
Coach Lubbers remarked on the stellar season saying, "This season was a very special one in many regards on and off the floor. This team broke through barriers, set records, and accomplished several "firsts" for men's basketball at CCU. Off the floor our team continues to pursue excellence in the classroom and in our community and I am extremely proud of them for their effort and commitment in those areas as well.  We are deeply appreciative of the former players, donors, fans, and some key faculty and staff who have supported this team, our program, and our coaching staff. I also want to recognize this year's seniors, all former players, and all current and former assistant coaches who have invested and sacrificed an enormous amount of time and energy in this programs success over the last 6 years. Their investment made in the lives of these young men is invaluable. "
 
After the historic season this year, the Cougars will be looking to build on that momentum as they prepare for the 2017-18 season next fall.