Compared to previous offseasons, Gonzaga Basketball’s front has been very quiet. They’re one of three high-major programs (Stanford and Marquette) that have not landed a single transfer from the portal. Their biggest need comes in the backcourt, losing all three starters from this past season.
The good news for the program is that they’re returning both key big men in Graham Ike (17.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg) and Braden Huff (11 ppg), who, while starting together in the final few games this past season, are both natural centers. That’s why the recent news of a looming visit came as a surprise.
Parker Jefferson is a 6’10 big man who is playing his high school basketball in California. The consensus three-star prospect was originally committed to Minnesota before leaving after the coaching change occurred. He’s fairly skilled for a big man who can score inside-out. While not the greatest athlete, he projects to be a capable 5-man in the right system.
Since he’s a class of 2025 prospect, why would Gonzaga be interested in Jefferson? The biggest reason is that you can never have too many quality big men in college basketball. The Bulldogs also seem set to play Huff at the four-spot so that Jefferson would be the third center on the roster behind rising sophomore Ismaila Diagne. Continuing the Gonzaga/state of Minnesota pipeline, started by former 5-star prospects, Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren, also is something the WCC can benefit from while the Gophers rebuild its basketball program.
The other team reportedly in the mix is USC. Technically, the only true center on the roster is Youngstown State transfer, Gabe Dynes. However, there are several forwards Coach Eric Musselman has brought into the portal who can play the five-spot as well, making any path for Jefferson not as realistic. Plus, the program will always land transfers each offseason, which makes the future uncertain for a three-star prospect.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga doesn’t over-recruit players very often and with several spots open, Jefferson is a worthwhile prospect to bring in and develop. He may not turn into the next Domantas Sabonis or Drew Timme but he’s a high-major prospect who in time, could be the next hidden gem pickup for the program.