15. Gonzaga
Last year was the first time in nearly a decade that Gonzaga did not reach the Sweet Sixteen, which in itself is a wild accomplishment for Mark Few and this program. Clearly, the Bulldogs had a down season, which is a crazy statement for a mid-major that won 26 games and advanced in the NCAA Tournament. With Khalif Battle, Ryan Nembhard, and a few others gone from Spokane, who exactly is filling their shoes?
A trio of notable names come into the fold from the transfer portal: Tyon Grant-Foster from Grand Canyon, well-traveled guard Adam Miller out of Arizona State, and Jalen Warley after his work in Virginia. The Bulldogs will also have Braeden Smith at the point after his redshirt season, but the potential here is actually more about what’s come back for Gonzaga.
With Graham Ike and Braden Huff anchoring the post, the Bulldogs bring back a pair of reliable forwards who can score and impact the game on multiple levels. The potential for Gonzaga in their final season in the WCC might rest on their shoulders, but let’s not act like there’s plenty of talent in this rotation. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges this season as the Bulldogs look to get back on top of their league standings.