Sound the alarm, Zags bought dudes!
To begin with, main credit score to how Mark Few and his teaching workers have utilized the switch portal this offseason. You come 4 of the 5 starters from final yr’s Candy Sixteen squad. You find yourself solely shedding Luka Krajnovic, Pavle Stosic, and Colby Brooks. You acquire Michael Ajayi, Khalif Battle, and Emmanuel Innocenti for subsequent season with nationwide championship aspirations. Now, you look to the long run and add the Patriot League Participant of the Yr who’s keen to redshirt. Zag followers simply now how useful a redshirt season in Gonzaga’s system actually is. Simply have a look at the observe document with Kelly Olynyk, Nigel Williams-Goss, Kyle Wiltjer, Johnathan Williams, and lots of extra.
Braeden Smith is a 6’0” level guard from Colgate who averaged 12.5 PPG on 39.3 FG%, 5.6 APG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.9 SPG this previous season. He has helped lead the Raiders to 2 consecutive NCAA Event appearances. His basketball IQ is off the charts and is an especially good facilitator. He could also be a bit on the smaller facet however he makes up for it together with his potential to nonetheless crash the glass towards larger foes. Smith’s velocity/burst with the ball in his fingers is enjoyable to observe as effectively.
With a yr of creating his capturing potential/choice making in addition to studying below each Ryan Nembhard and Mark Few in his system, Smith will look to have a possible nationwide breakout season or two. Gonzaga’s level guard of the long run is a ticking bomb ready to blow up in 2025-2026.
Gonzaga now has 12 of the 13 scholarship spots stuffed. Who would you like in that last spot? Get grasping, you will have the best to. An insurance coverage pickup of an enormous man/rim protector by means of the switch portal continues to be on the desk, presumably a Class of 2024 recruit who can be a mission. Don’t be shocked if the Zags find yourself not filling the spot in any respect.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga College graduate from the Bay Space… Observe him on Twitter @a_cravalho