Historic Run Ends for Gonzaga, Now Lets Start a New One

For the first time in a decade, we won't get to see the Gonzaga Bulldogs play in the Sweet 16; an all-time historic run comes to an end for the small school in Eastern Washington. As the Zags unfortunately fell to the 1-seed Houston Cougars Saturday night.

I’ll say this: it was such a devastating way for our streak to end. I may fight anyone who tries to argue this but...Gonzaga might’ve played the two best complete games of the tournament behind Duke and the team they fell to, Houston. I firmly believe if we play anyone else in the second round, we win...yes, even over Auburn or Florida.

All you have to do is look at the numbers:

• 21/40 from 3

• 53% FG

• 20 forced turnovers

• 26/30 from the line

• Averaged 83 points per game

The problem? We played Houston. It was an Elite Eight matchup in the second round. Even afterwards, Kelvin Sampson, head coach of the Cougs, said we were among the best they’d faced all year.

So sure, we could hang our hats on that and marvel at a historic decade; but that’s not the Zags standard. Now, it’s time to begin constructing a new roster to start another run and go after that elusive national championship.

Along with this loss, it ends the careers of multiple Zags, guys we’ll never get to see again in a Gonzaga uniform, and that breaks my heart.

We’re in this era of transfer, transfer, transfer, so it’s hard to see key contributors stick around for more than two years. But Ben Gregg and Nolan Hickman did just that. And not seeing Ryan Nembhard as our PG anymore? That’ll be soooo weird. (Also, I still don’t get how some guys only get four years while others somehow get six or seven... but hey, that’s out of our control.)

One more name that deserves a shoutout: Khalif Battle. Though only here for one year, but man he bought in and gave us huge sparks in big games. He’ll be tough to replace too.

So as hard as it is to see these guys go, I’m incredibly thankful for the moments they gave us and how they represented Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball.

Now, even though we’re losing a lot, there should still be room for optimism. Of course, in today’s college basketball climate, you can never be too sure who’s coming back. But let’s take a look at what we might have returning...along with a few early transfer portal targets.

Returning Zags & Their Chances of Staying

F – Sr. Graham Ike (17.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG)

He ended the season with one of his best games. Injuries early in his career earned him an extra year. On Senior Night, he chose not to walk, and that’s led many around the program to believe he plans to return. While there have been some small transfer rumblings, the consensus is he’ll be back in a Zags uniform for 2025–26.

Return: 88%

F – So. Braden Huff (11.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG)

Huff stepped into the starting lineup late in the season and made the most of it, having really his best stretch of the year and maybe career. The hope is he takes another big step and forms a strong duo with Ike. Being from Big Ten territory, there are reports he’s being courted to come back home but, the Zags camp feels confident.

Return: 70%

F – Jr. Michael Ajayi (6.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG)

This season didn’t go the way anyone expected. The former Pepperdine leading scorer struggled to find rhythm and lost playing time. IF we can keep him, the hope is he can bounce back and become a key piece next season. That’s a big if though, based on reports.

Return: 50%

G/F – So. Emmanuel Innocenti (1.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.0 AST)

Came in expecting to redshirt or play limited minutes. Instead, he earned more time through his defense. This offseason, he needs to grow offensively to make a push for a starting role. All signs point to him staying in Spokane.

Return: 93%

G – So. Dusty Stromer (4.3 PPG, 34% 3FG)

Year 2 was supposed to be his breakout, but he couldn’t find his shot consistently. Props to him, though, for his hustle on defense and the glass. I still believe in his potential, but all signs suggest he’s moving on this offseason. If so, I’ll be rooting for Stromer wherever he lands.

Return: 10%

F – Fr. Ismaila Diagne (3.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG)

Raw but so much upside. Minor injuries slowed his development, but that Santa Clara game showed a glimpse of the future. This is a big offseason for him. He’ll be back, and could be a difference-maker in time.

Return: 95%

G/F – Jr. Steele Venters (DNP – Injured)

Sharpshooter with size—and seriously bad injury luck. If he can stay healthy, his shooting is a big asset. We need a new Kispert or Strawther type. Haven’t heard anything about a medical retirement or transfer, so here’s hoping.

Return: 75%

G – Jr. Braeden Smith (Redshirt – Transfer from Colgate)

Sat this year behind Nembhard, Hickman, and Battle. At Colgate, he was a two-time tourney player and conference POTY. Undersized but a high-IQ guard who can dish. Right now, he’s projected to be the next Zags PG.

Return: 95%

G/F – Jr. Jalen Warley (DNP – Transfer from Virginia)

Forward size with guard skills. Came midseason after a coaching change at UVA. Stats don’t pop, but the skillset is intriguing. All signs point to him returning.

Return: 97%

With the portal, you never know—all these guys could stay or none of them could. For now, the priority has to be retaining Ike, Huff, Ajayi, Smith, Warley, and Diagne.

We also have a 4/5-star incoming freshman, Davis Fogle, who has turned heads and will be fun to watch.

Zags Transfer Portal Early Wishlist

G/F Treyson Eaglestaff – North Dakota

Sharpshooter who could really help our 3-point shooting. With bigs like Huff & Ike inside, we need someone to stretch the floor. Dropped 40+ on Alabama this year.

G Nate Calmese – Washington State

Scoring guard from Arizona (I actually coached against him—kid can really fill it up). Took a big step forward this year. He’s just a short drive from Spokane—let’s make the call.

F Nick Davidson – Nevada

A big who can shoot it from deep. No known Zags connection yet, but would be a huge asset. You know we love pairing a post scorer with a stretch four.

G Obi Agbim – Wyoming

Talented guard with some similarities to Battle. Wyoming has ties to our staff—could be a nice fit.

F Bryce Hopkins – Providence

Game-changing athlete who does it all. Coming from a winning culture and would boost our physical presence inside.

Now, this is only Day 1 of the portal. This wishlist could look totally different by next week. A lot depends on who stays, but either way, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest roster overhauls for the Zags in years.

Bet of the Day

03-24

Andrew Nembhard 12+ points +155