The California Baptist Lancers men's basketball team represents California Baptist University in the Western Athletic Conference. The team made the jump into Division I basketball on July 1, 2018. They were recently led by head coach Rick Croy and play at the Fowler Events Center, which opened in 2017 and replaced the Van Dyne Gym. The Lancers will make their first ever appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2026.
The men's basketball program began playing at the NAIA level in 1969 and stayed at that level until 2010, competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference. In 2010, California Baptist Lancers moved up in all sports to the NCAA Division II, joining the Pacific West Conference in all sports on July 1, 2011. In January 2017, the California Baptist Lancers announced their transition to NCAA Division I, joining the Western Athletic Conference on July 1, 2018, in all sports. The school became eligible for the NCAA Division I postseason tournament in the 2022âÂÂ23 season.
The Lancers participated for the first time in the 2026 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
The Lancers have appeared in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) twice. Their record is 0âÂÂ2.
The Lancers have appeared in 5 NCAA Division II Tournaments. Their combined record is 7âÂÂ5.