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Gonzaga Basketball: Which former Zags will play in the 2017 NBA Summer League?

By Connor Hope

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Zach Collins (Gonzaga) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number ten overall pick to the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Zach Collins (Gonzaga) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number ten overall pick to the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) leaves the stadium after the loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) leaves the stadium after the loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The other rookie Bulldogs

Nigel Williams-Goss (Utah Jazz)

Gonzaga star and 2017 WCC Player of the Year Nigel Williams-Goss was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft. Averaging 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals, Williams-Goss gained national media attention, becoming a consensus 2nd Team All-American.

Despite having depth at the guard position, none of the Jazz players averaged more than five assists per game. The Summer League could be the opportunity that Williams-Goss needs to prove he can step into the floor general role and earn himself some minutes at the point guard position.

Przemek Karnowski (Charlotte Hornets)

After a memorable five-year career with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Polish big man Przemek Karnowski went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Many analysts have pointed to the NBA’s shift toward smaller, more athletic centers as the primary reason for this.

Despite going undrafted and being expected to play overseas in Europe, Karnowski will play in the Summer League for the Charlotte Hornets. This move should come as no surprise since the Hornets love big men, already featuring four players over 6’11”.

Jordan Mathews (New Orleans Pelicans)

The final addition to last year’s Gonzaga roster, Jordan Mathews signed a Summer League contract with the Pelicans. Establishing himself as a corner specialist, Mathews finished last season as the Zags’ top 3-point shooter, making 85 shots from deep.

Although the Pelicans are loaded in the frontcourt, they currently have only four guards on their roster, including 2017 NBA Draft pick Frank Jackson. The Summer League could be an opportunity for Mathews to show what he can add as an NBA reserve.