Gonzaga Basketball: 3 takeaways from Efton Reid’s transfer to the Bulldogs

How Reid solves personnel questions

The reason Reid was a major want for Gonzaga is his versatility regardless of who stays or goes on the rest of the roster unlike many of the big men that entered the portal so far. Unlike Fardaws Aimaq (Texas Tech bound) or Johni Broome (committed to Auburn on Saturday), Reid does not negatively impact Timme’s game were he to come back.

Aimaq is a stretch-five but likes to get to the same mid-range spots as Timme does and certainly was looking to increase his role on a large stage rather than play second fiddle. What made Holmgren an ideal pairing last season was his ability to maximize on limited opportunities. He attempted just 8.8 shots per game despite being the number one ranked recruit and a surefire top 4 pick.

Reid is still clearly developing his game and projects to have the ceiling of being one-and-done with Gonzaga but also a two-year guy. Gonzaga’s program prides itself on its player development, especially transfers. When you look at the player that Reid was pegged to be coming out of the IMG Academy, it was a skilled big with great touch and the ability to extend his range. Because of his role, we never saw him turn the corner and actualize this toolset at the college level.

If Timme returns for a senior season, Reid as a secondary scorer and rim protector keeps Gonzaga’s championship window open. He’s a solid rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. Reid’s 8.6% offensive rebounding rate would be second only to Anton Watson for the Bulldogs last season. Over 15% of Reid’s rim points came off of offensive rebounds which could only make one of the most efficient offenses in the country all the more lethal.

Now, Reid’s arrival does not completely solve Timme’s possible departure. No transfer in the portal was going to replace the best post scorer in the country. The Texan’s absence will likely take Gonzaga out of the national championship conversation in the beginning of the season. But, Reid shows the upside to be a dominant offensive weapon as the game comes to him, especially in Mark Few’s system. Reid’s game is still developing and more spacing will only make him realize his gifts more quickly.

If Timme is indeed gone, Reid will become a priority for development in his first season but it also allows Gonzaga to aggressively go after fit for the remaining scholarship spot in Timme’s absence. Reid’s size allows you to recruit for a wider range of forwards and especially offensively-minded players. While they might not be Timme, they may be able to help further Gonzaga’s spacing and allow more usage for guys like Julian Strawther if he were to come back.

Due to the draft process’s extended length and the added wrinkle of NIL bartering changing players’ options, we still have a long ways to go before we know what this Gonzaga team looks like for the upcoming season. But what we do know is that Reid is a very important first step.