Gonzaga Basketball: Projected roster rotation and minutes for 2024-25 season

Center 

Projected starter: Graham Ike (25 mpg)

Bench: Braden Huff (15 mpg), Ismaila Diagne 

There’s no debate as to how the five-spot will work out, with both centers back for another year. After missing the entire previous year with an injury, Ike came back to lead Gonzaga with 16.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg, shooting 61% from the field. The All-WCC big man had 15 games of at least 20 points, including seven straight when the Bulldogs were playing its best basketball to get back in the NCAAT picture.

Behind Ike is Huff, who was one of the most efficient players in the country in somewhat limited minutes. The redshirt freshman averaged 9.3 ppg in just 13.5 mpg off the bench. Even more impressive was that he had eight games with at least 17 points, including a season-high 25 points and seven rebounds in a win over Portland.

There were times when Huff’s defensive issues were exposed, while Ike could be foul-prone, while also struggling against better interior defenders. To add some depth inside is Diagne, a 7’0 center from Spain who is viewed as another long-term pro prospect. He has great size and can rebound and defend but may be too raw to get meaningful minutes next season.

However, if Gonzaga needs a body that can defend in case Ike gets in foul trouble, they could opt to play Diagne instead of Huff, though there would be an effect on the offense. But compared to last season’s roster, it’s now a good problem for the preseason top-10 team, knowing that they have numerous lineups to use for the 2024-25 campaign.