Gonzaga Basketball: Sudden pickup of Marcus Adams Jr. benefits roster

Dec 2, 2022; Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) reacts with forward Drew Timme (2) and forward Anton Watson (22) after a basket against the Baylor Bears in the second half at Sanford Pentagon. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

After leaving the Kansas Jayhawks. Marcus Adams Jr. found a new home at Gonzaga Basketball. How will the roster situation work out for both sides?

Early in the offseason, Gonzaga Basketball did extremely well in the transfer portal. They landed Ryan Nembhard, Graham Ike, and Steele Venters in a span of 10 days. However, nothing has happened since in terms of additions. In fact, the team had lost Alex Toohey, a 6’8 combo forward from Australia, who had opted to stay home and go pro.

That left the Bulldogs with 10 players on scholarship and considering the injury history of some of the guys, that’s a bit concerning. And at the end of July, there just aren’t many players left in the transfer portal good enough to play for them. However, an incoming freshman suddenly became available, as Marcus Adams Jr. parted ways with Kansas in the past week.

In a recruitment that didn’t last long at all, Adams decided to transfer over to play for Gonzaga. It’s important to note that because he enrolled in classes, he’s viewed as a transfer and not a high school de-commit. So that means he’ll use his “one-time” waiver to avoid having to sit out.

That being said, minutes won’t be easy to come by for Adams with the Bulldogs. Anton Watson is back for a 5th year at power forward, backed up by Ben Gregg. And EWU transfer and former Big Sky Player of the Year Venters is the projected starter at small forward. Plus, Braden Huff and Jun Seok Yeo, who each redshirted last season, will be looking to crack the rotation as well.

This is a move for the future for both sides. Adams can’t transfer again so he’s in this for the long haul. And once Watson and Venters move on, the forward spots will open up. He’s a 6’8 combo forward that’s a good athlete who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. The four-star freshman forward can excel in the WCC and play for a consistently winning program.

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Overall, this is a nice late move for both sides that should pay dividends down the road.