Pipeline of NBA Talent Continues to Drive Gonzaga's Impressive Recruiting
Ever since the NIL (name, image, and likeness) policy was enacted in the NCAA on July 1, 2021, timelines for college basketball players have noticeably shifted. Needing at least a year gap between their final year of high school and when they can begin their NBA careers, athletes traditionally tried to fast-track their way to the most competitive league in the world, seeing little benefit to the collegiate hoops experience.
Now with NIL, these young adults are making life-changing money while enrolled in university classes, allowing them to better pace their development to ensure they are properly prepared when their names called on NBA Draft night. In some cases, players are maximizing their opportunities to be paid as they stretch out their years of eligibility to the max. But for those who have the potential, they are seeking the programs that can best hone their skills to carve out lengthy NBA careers, while being paid handsomely.
Despite not being a blue blood or in a power conference, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have still found ways to acquire and develop top-tier talent in this era. The proof is in their current roster, recent graduates from the program, and young prospects still down the pipeline. Head coach Mark Few and his staff have a track record of getting players ready for the leap to the pros, and with that, it will be tough to slow the lengthy run the Zags are on.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Land ASU Transfer Massamba Diop, Bolstering Talented Frontcourt
Bringing in a big fish from the transfer portal, the Gonzaga Bulldogs can cross a big item off their offseason checklist. 7-1 Senegalese center Massamba Diop is on his way to Spokane from Arizona State, picking to play for the Zags over St. John’s for his sophomore season. Diop’s commitment makes the second for GU so far this offseason, joining Houston transfer Isiah Harwell as the newest Zags on the block.
During his first year at the collegiate level, Diop averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks a game on 56.9% shooting in 33 starts with the Sun Devils. He was one of the top centers available in this cycle of the transfer portal and – like several of his new teammates – carries notable NBA Draft stock.
The move aligns Diop with the returning Braden Huff to form yet another strong big man duo for the Bulldogs, a season after Huff and third-team All-American Graham Ike were paired up together. Not to mention that the team’s likely starting small forward, 6-7 Davis Fogle, was also retained, giving Gonzaga one of the country’s most talented frontcourts heading into the fall.
Analysis: What Three Areas Do Gonzaga Bulldogs Need to Address This Offseason?
With the NCAA transfer portal now officially closed, the returns of Braden Huff, Mario Saint-Supéry, Davis Fogle, and Parker Jefferson to Gonzaga next season are all but confirmed barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Still, the Zags’ roster is in a more barren place than years past. Seven players from last season’s team entered the transfer portal, and four others exhausted their college eligibility. With transfer Isiah Harwell on his way to Spokane from Houston and three freshmen incoming, the Bulldogs have up to seven scholarship spots to fill, pending the return of walk-on Alonzo Metz.
Depth and versatility were key components to GU’s 31-4 campaign, making the coupling of quality and quantity imperative for Gonzaga as it recruits players in the portal. So with an influx of new faces on the horizon, what areas are to be prioritized for the Zags as they attempt to finalize their 2026-27 personnel?
Five Frontcourt Players Gonzaga Could Target in Transfer Portal
Presumably, the players who will fill four of the five starting spots for Gonzaga next season are either already on the roster or are on their way to Spokane. In the backcourt, Mario Saint-Supéry and Davis Fogle lead the charge as high-ceiling offensive talents looking to build off of promising freshman campaigns. And in the frontcourt, Braden Huff will return for his final season at the college level, after having an uber-efficient season shortened due to a dislocated knee.
But third-team All-American forward Graham Ike is out of eligibility, and reserve center Ismaila Diagne became one of six Zags to enter the transfer portal. Traditionally, the Zags prefer to play with two post players in the frontcourt, making the potential final piece to their starting lineup and a new running mate with Huff a crucial decision for next season.
Who are some players with chances of being the next Bulldog big?
Massamba Diop, Freshman, Arizona State
The man with the most buzz at the moment, Diop is coming off a strong freshman season with the Sun Devils. Scheduled to visit Spokane this weekend, the 7-1 center entered the transfer portal on April 8 as Arizona State undergoes a coaching change with Randy Bennett – former longtime head coach of Saint Mary’s – taking over at the helm. Diop made the decision with a “do not contact” tag, as Travis Branham of 247Sports.com reported the center had his sights set on either Gonzaga or St. John’s, which Diop is also slated to visit at an unknown date, likely sometime next week.
Houston Transfer, Former Five-Star Recruit Isiah Harwell Commits to Gonzaga
Before he committed to Houston out of high school in September 2024, Isiah Harwell had the Gonzaga Bulldogs as one of his four finalists, along with Texas and California.
About a year and a half later, the 6-6 guard turned back to that list, committing to transfer to the Zags after his freshman season with the Cougars. First reported by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Harwell made the decision official with an Instagram post, captioned “Go Zags!!!” He is the first portal addition for GU in what will surely be a busy offseason.
A five-star prospect and ranked in the consensus top 20 of his class, Harwell showcased elite ability on both sides of the ball coming out of Utah’s Wasatch Academy. He suffered an ACL tear prior to his senior season, which was eventually reaggravated and lingered into his first year with the Cougs. The nagging injury led to increased inefficiency and a decrease in playing time down the stretch, but Gonzaga now looks to bring out the best of Harwell.
Gonzaga’s Depth Takes Big Hit as Braeden Smith, Steele Venters Enter Transfer Portal
With the NCAA transfer portal officially opening on Tuesday, two more names from Gonzaga’s 2025-26 roster have thrown their names into the hat. Both falling out of the rotation’s favor by season’s end, Braeden Smith and Steele Venters are both headed to the portal, becoming the third and fourth Zags to do so at this point in the offseason.
Smith began the year as GU’s starting point guard before getting lapped by freshman Mario Saint-Supéry midway through the season, as the Spaniard brought more to the floor offensively and defensively. The 6-0 redshirt junior continued to get into each game, but his minutes both dwindled and became inconsistent.
Venters entered the season healthy for the first time in three years after suffering a torn ACL and Achilles, respectively, before each of the two previous seasons kicked off. The 6-7 graduate student was meant to be a sniper from the outside, and even though he shot 36.7% from the outside – the second-highest mark on the team – it wasn’t enough to make up for his deficiencies defensively, even for a Bulldogs group that was devoid of three-point shooting.
Emmanuel Innocenti Enters Transfer Portal, Leaves Gonzaga Devoid of Defense
With the Gonzaga Bulldogs leaning heavily into the defensive side of the ball entering the 2025-26 season, they had two impactful players in mind that were already on its roster. One was Jalen Warley, who transferred in from Virginia midway through the previous season and is now graduating after a stellar season as the team’s versatile chess piece.
The other was Emmanuel Innocenti, who transferred to the Zags after playing his freshman year with Tarleton State, and was limited to more of a reserve role with GU during the 2024-25 campaign. But after emerging as a key starter for the Bulldogs this past year, Innocenti’s agency, “THE·TEAM”, surprisingly told DraftExpress that the incoming senior intends to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining, leaving a larger hole in Gonzaga’s defensive personnel.
The Zags have typically done an admirable job of retaining players year-over-year in this era of frequent player movement, but Innocenti will be headed elsewhere after an impactful season spearheading the Bulldogs’ stout defense, announcing his departure from Spokane four days after redshirt freshman Cade Orness did the same.
‘Greatest News Ever’: Gonzaga’s Mark Few Inducted Into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
In just his second year on the ballot, Gonzaga head coach Mark Few has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Officially announced on Saturday, the 63-year-old will be enshrined in basketball immortality.
“This is the greatest news ever. It's just such a thrill to be elected to the Hall of Fame, something I never would have imagined happening in my life,” Few said in a statement. “I'm so grateful and so proud of everything our players were able to accomplish here at Gonzaga. It's a credit to having incredible people around you: incredible players, incredible staff members, an unbelievable wife and family, and God directing me through this crazy life. I can't thank everybody enough at the Hall of Fame. I'm just thrilled to be part of this phenomenal class."
Becoming eligible in 2024 for the first time, Few was a Hall of Fame finalist for the last two years. Active coaches must be at least 60 years old and have 25 years of service time under their belts. He joins fellow coaches Mike D’Antoni and Doc Rivers, former players Amare Stoudemire, Candace Parker, Elena Della Donne, and Chamique Holdsclaw, official Joey Crawford, and the 1996 United States Women’s National Team as this year’s inductees, who will have their induction ceremonies scheduled for August 14-15 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Guard Cade Orness to Enter Transfer Portal
The first member of the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ 2025-26 roster to move on from the program this offseason, Cade Orness announced via Instagram on Wednesday that he would be entering the transfer portal.
“This has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make,” Orness wrote. “There’s a lot that comes with stepping away from a special place like this, especially because of the people and relationships that have meant so much to me. But after a lot of thought and prayer, I have peace in knowing this is the next step for me in my journey through life and basketball.”
Redshirting for the past two seasons, Orness appeared in eight games with the Zags – all of them during this past season. The 6-5 guard initially made the team in 2024-25 as a walk-on but earned a scholarship before his second year at the collegiate level. Orness totaled three points, one defensive rebound, one assist, and a steal. He also shot 1-of-2 from the field and was 1-for-5 at the free-throw line in his action on the floor.
Season in Review: Analyzing Gonzaga’s 2025-26 Campaign, Future of the Program
A lot of the country will remember the end of the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ season as somewhat expected, not being particularly impressed with their season resume, and not necessarily floored when the 3-seed Zags were upset in the Round of 32 to 11-seed Texas.
But despite a disappointing conclusion, GU accomplished a lot this season. Finishing 31-4, the Bulldogs notched their ninth season of 30+ wins in program history, and their first since 2022-23. Forward Graham Ike received honors as a Third-Team All-American, with Drew Timme’s First-Team selection back in 2023 being the last Bulldog to accomplish the feat.
And they did it in such a different fashion than previous GU squads, with a stalwart defense that consistently stifled opponents. Combined with new heights of adversity for the program, Gonzaga still found a way to earn a share of the WCC regular-season title, win the conference tournament, and grab a victory in the NCAA tournament for the 27th consecutive year.
What was the path to another noble year for the Zags?
Gonzaga's Defense Slips, Season Ends in Upset Loss to Texas in Round of 32
Since forward Braden Huff went down with a dislocated knee in the middle of January, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have been able to cover up the holes in their playstyle, primarily by dominating on the defensive end.
But in the second round of the NCAA tournament, the Texas Longhorns pieced together an excellent offensive performance against the Zags. They shot 51.7% from the field, the best mark an opponent of GU has posted since Portland downed Gonzaga on February 4, and the fourth-highest clip it’s allowed all season of the year. Texas also only turned the ball over five times, the lowest forced turnover total from the Bulldogs’ perspective.
Yet, the Zags still had an opportunity to win the game, down just a point with 32 seconds to go. But another lapse defensively resulted in a crushing three from the corner out of the hand of Camden Heide, and the Zags’ response afterward was jarring. Mario Saint-Supéry then missed short on an out-of-sync three; no Longhorns were fouled, and Mark Few left the court with a timeout in his pocket as Gonzaga fell 74-68, their season coming to an end before the Sweet 16 for the second straight year.
Gonzaga Survives Rock Fight With Kennesaw State in Round of 64
You couldn’t dream of a choppier start to the NCAA Tournament for 3-seed Gonzaga in its first-round contest against 14-seed Kennesaw State.
Connecting on just four of their first 20 shots from the field and not hitting their first three until the final minute of the first half, the Bulldogs’ shooting was anemic to start the game. Their offense was stagnant, congested, and collected as the Owls dragged the Zags into a slog, with neither team maintaining rhythm in its half-court offense.
But despite KSU leading for the majority of the first half, GU stayed at arm's length throughout. Then, Gonzaga began to play better off its exceptional defense and took a 10-0 run into halftime, riding that momentum out of the locker room into a 74-63 win. It marked the 17th straight season of the Bulldogs advancing from the first round of the tournament, and in a climate of higher seeds being upset, they will take the wins — no matter what they look like.
“I always, always understand just how hard it is to win a game in this tournament. So I think that’s one of the things I’m most proud of...” head coach Mark Few said. “I’m really happy we got through this one. It wasn't pretty, but bottom line is you just win, and now we get to move on.”
Preview: 3-Seed Gonzaga Aims to Start New Sweet Sixteen Streak
When the Gonzaga Bulldogs lost to the one-seeded Houston Cougars in the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament, it snapped the Zags’ nine-year streak of advancing to the Sweet 16.
Prioritizing different personnel in the offseason with a goal of improving defensively, GU rode a well-rounded rotation into a 30-3 record a year later, consistently sitting in the AP Poll’s Top 15 each week. Gonzaga is still a capable offense, currently playing through its Third-Team All-American big man Graham Ike. But it also boasts one of, if not the best, defensive units Mark Few has ever coached, posting the ninth-best defensive rating (93.9) in the country, per KenPom.
Aside from Ike, the team has gotten contributions from every player in the rotation. From Jalen Warley’s adaptability to Emmanuel Innocenti’s perimeter defense to Mario Saint Supéry’s three-point precision, every (Bull)dog has had its day over the course of the season. There was, of course, the bad loss to a Portland team that finished 9th in the WCC. And although the Zags’ first loss of the season was to No. 3 Michigan, the final score was 101-61, with the Wolverines being the toughest opponent GU has faced by far in a now dampened non-conference schedule compared to preseason projections.
Now a 3-seed in the West Region, what challenges lie ahead for them in the opening rounds of the tournament?
Gonzaga MBB, WBB March Madness Brackets Set
March Madness brackets are set, and both Gonzaga’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be vying for a national championship in the NCAA Tournament.
The Zags’ men’s team (30-3) received the No. 3 seed in the West Region and will face No. 14 Kennesaw State (21-13) in the first round at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday, March 19, at the Moda Center in Portland.
Gonzaga’s women’s team (24-9) landed the No. 12 seed in the West Region and will face No. 5 Ole Miss (23-11) at an undetermined time on Friday, March 20, at Williams Arena in Minnesota.
Young Stars Fuel Zags MBB to 21st WCC Title Under Mark Few
Gonzaga men’s basketball shrugged off a shaky first half to secure yet another West Coast Conference championship and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament following a 79-68 win over Santa Clara on Tuesday, March 10, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
The Zags (30-3, 16-2 WCC) had four players score in double figures, getting massive contributions from their freshman class in a critical victory. Gonzaga’s elite defense outweighed being shaky at the free throw line and outhustled on the offensive boards.
Gonzaga MBB Stays Course, Downs Oregon State To Reach WCC Title Game
Despite a slow start, the result was never in doubt as Gonzaga men’s basketball advanced to its 29th straight West Coast Conference championship with a 65-56 win over Oregon State on Monday, March 9, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
West Coast Conference Player of the Year Graham Ike led the way for the Zags as he has all year, with another 20-point double-double. The only time Gonzaga looked susceptible to the Beavers’ attack was when Ike was on the bench, and he didn’t sit for long (36 minutes played).
Preview: Gonzaga Set to Face Oregon State in WCC Tournament Semifinals
After four-seeded Oregon State (16-16, 9-9) pulled out a slim 78-77 quarterfinals win over five-seed San Francisco on Sunday, the Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-3, 16-2) finally know their first opponent in the WCC tournament. The Zags and Beavers will square off on Monday in the Orleans Arena at 6 PM PT, with the winner advancing to the conference championship game on Tuesday.
These two teams met just once during the regular season, with the contest being GU’s first action since one of the worst losses in its program’s history, an 87-80 defeat to Portland. To say Gonzaga responded on the road against OSU would be an understatement, as it topped the Beavers 81-61 on February 7 and featured WCC Player of the Year Graham Ike matching his career-high in scoring with 35 points.
But Oregon State has won four of its six games since that blowout loss, so how do they stack up this time around versus the Bulldogs?
Graham Ike Wins Player of the Year, Gonzaga Freshmen Honored in WCC Postseason Awards
Three different Zags received recognition in the WCC’s annual postseason awards, with forward Graham Ike taking home the WCC Player of the Year while guards Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supéry were each named to the conference’s All-Freshman Team.
Ike was also selected to the All-WCC First Team, but he was the lone Bulldog to be on the West Coast’s First or Second Team, or even an Honorable Mention.
Breaking down the hardware campaigns for Gonzaga’s three campaigns, how did each of them contribute to the team’s strong season?
Saint Mary's Erupts in Second Half, Defeats No. 9 Gonzaga 70-59
A tale of two halves might be an understatement. Opening the final regular-season WCC matchup between rivals Gonzaga (28-3, 16-2) and Saint Mary’s (27-4, 16-2), it was the Bulldogs who brought the energy to UCU Pavilion. Graham Ike was great in the first 20 minutes, gesturing back to the Gael Force, SMC’s student section, each time he converted a field goal. Saint Mary’s was hesitant to push the ball inside, taking more shots from beyond the arc than inside it, with its star forward Paulius Murauskas as the poster player for that style of basketball.
But the continuous three-point shooting became a weapon for the Gaels in the second half, while the Zags couldn’t come up with an answer. Ike was held to only four points after halftime and also fouled out with 3:45 to play. It was Gaels guard Mikey Lewis who stole the show, scoring a career-high 31 points with seven made threes, leading a ferocious attack that helped SMC surge to a 70-59 win and clinch at least a share of the conference regular-season title for the fourth consecutive season.
“I thought our defense was excellent in the first half. To me, it was a tale of two halves,” Few said. “…They were definitely the tougher team in the second half.”
Gonzaga Cruises in Senior Night Win Over Portland, Clinches No. 1 Seed in WCC
There was no semblance of an upset this time around. In Gonzaga’s final game of the season at the McCarthey Athletic Center, the Bulldogs (28-2, 16-1) annihilated Portland (12-18, 5-12) on Senior Night 89-48, clinching the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and at least a share of the regular season title in the program’s final year as a member of the WCC.
It capped off their first undefeated season at home since 2021-22, and with the Zags cutting down the net on their home court afterwards, the postgame emotions were certainly different compared to when they suffered their lone conference loss to the Pilots three weeks ago. It was a true beatdown on both ends, as GU notched its largest margin of defeat of West Coast play, and its most lopsided victory since Dec. 7, when it beat North Florida by 51.
Fueling Portland in its previous matchup against Gonzaga was freshman Joel Foxwell, who drilled several contested and back-breaking shots on the way to a 27-point performance. His game tonight started similarly, as he knocked down two stepback three-pointers over Mario Saint-Supéry before drawing a foul on a third attempt from distance. But his scoring magic did not continue, with the Bulldogs locking in defensively on Foxwell – who finished with just 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting – and the rest of the Pilots’ offense to hold them to several scoreless stretches.
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