Gonzaga Basketball: Takeaways from blowout road win over Texas A&M

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 12: Ryan Woolridge #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives against Marlon Stewart #1 of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 12, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats North Dakota 97-66. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Ayayi of Gonzaga drives in practice. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

2. Ayayi is a sensational reserve.

Heading into this offseason, the biggest concern surrounding Gonzaga was the lack of backcourt options. Josh Perkins, Zach Norvell, and Geno Crandall all departed the program by way of graduation or the NBA Draft and they were going to be nearly impossible to replace. Yet, head coach Mark Few quickly looked to tackle that issue by securing a pair of immediately-eligible transfers with Admon Gilder (TAMU) and Ryan Woolridge (North Texas). These two have quickly assumed the starting backcourt duties for Gonzaga this season and have excelled.

Behind them in the rotation, though, Joel Ayayi is taking his game to the next level. A highly-touted 6-foot-4 Frenchman, Ayayi was relegated to deep reserve duty as a freshman last season while averaging just 5.6 minutes per game. He was not all that impressive during his time on the court and therefore many questioned Gonzaga’s backcourt depth even after adding Gilder/Woolridge.

Yet, Ayayi flashed his all-around skill set while playing a significant role at the FIBA U19 World Cup this summer. He was one of the top performers at the entire event while dictating the offense for France. Over the course of seven FIBA contests, the Bulldogs’ rising sophomore guard averaged 20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 per game. He was named to the All-Star Five to commemorate his efforts in leading France to a third-place finish in the tournament.

With regard to the start of this collegiate season, it is clear that Ayayi used the FIBA event as a showcase for reaching a turning point in his career. He is now the top reserve in Gonzaga’s backcourt and is absolutely thriving. Through the first four contests of the year, Ayayi is averaging 7.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists (to 0.5 turnovers), and 1.8 steals across 23.5 minutes per game. He should continue to be a highly-impactful player throughout the next few months as he can do a little bit of everything on the court. The Bulldogs are simply better with him on the court.

Ayayi posted eight points (4-for-6 FG), seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals across 23 total minutes against Texas A&M. He also managed to exhibit a team-high +37 plus/minus during his time on the court. It is clear that Ayayi looks poised to be one of the best sixth men in the entire country this season as he is a serious difference-maker in a variety of ways.