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Gonzaga Basketball: Early look at Bulldogs 2020-21 roster with Jalen Suggs

By Tristan Freeman

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: Jalen Suggs #1 of Minnehaha Academy Red Hawks looks on after the game against the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers at Target Center on January 04, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: Jalen Suggs #1 of Minnehaha Academy Red Hawks looks on after the game against the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers at Target Center on January 04, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 14: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with teammate Joel Ayayi (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 14: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with teammate Joel Ayayi (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Projected backcourt rotation for 2020-21 season

Starters: Jalen Suggs, Joel Ayayi and Corey Kispert

Simply in terms of athleticism, Gonzaga hasn’t had a starting group like this. Suggs will be the primary ballhandler but can play off the ball with Ayayi around. Both are legit combo guards and at 6’5 will have the size advantage of other WCC backcourts. This trio is also lethal from three-point range as well, with all three likely to make over 35% from deep.

Reserves: Dominick Harris, Julian Strawther and Martynas Arlauskas

Harris is going to be the first guard off the bench for either Suggs or Ayayi at the first media timeout/foul committed. Since he’s also a combo guard, there’s no reason to have Ayayi as the 6th man like he was to start this season. Arlauskas has shown some defensive promise in limited minutes this season and if Harris has his struggles early on, the Lithuanian can find his way into the rotation.

It’ll be hard for Strawther though, through no fault of his own. If Kispert returns, the senior wing will certainly have his 30+ minutes per game on the wings. Strawther can’t play the two guard positions and the power forward spot will be crowded as well. He likely won’t redshirt next year but look for the 2021-22 season to be where he makes his impact on the wings.

Although Suggs is the most notable name with the highest ceiling, Ayayi will be the most important player. He still can take another jump in his game and will be an experienced player as a junior. His continued development and the confidence of having the ball in his hands is so crucial for next season.