A Look At Gonzaga's Projected Lineup and Rotation Post Transfer Portal Entry Deadline

Projected Starting Lineup

C: Graham Ike (17.3 PPG last year)

PF: Braden Huff (11 PPG last year)

SF: Jalen Warley (7.5 PPG in 2023-24 at Florida State)

SG: Steele Venters (15.3 PPG in 20223-23 at Eastern Washington)

PG: Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG in 2023-24 at Colgate)

The pairing of Ike and Huff in the starting lineup didn't happen until the final three games of Gonzaga's season, but it worked beautifully. It was done first as a way to counter the size of Saint Mary's in the WCC championship, which resulted in a big win for the Zags. 

The team deployed the lineup again in a blowout win over Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and once more in the team's season-ending loss to eventual runner-up Houston. There's no reason these two won't start together again this upcoming season.

Warley is a point forward type who doesn't do a ton of scoring but is a great facilitator and defender, using his disruptive length and high basketball IQ to make plays.

Smith spent last year redshirting as the point guard in waiting behind Nembhard, and the Colgate transfer who averaged 12.5 points and 5.6 assists while winning Patriot League Player of the Year will be an outstanding replacement at the one.

Shooting guard is the biggest question mark for Gonzaga and the spot in the starting lineup most likely to be filled by an incoming transfer - especially knowing Gonzaga has contacted high level guards like Rodney Rice, Adam Miller, Jordan Ross, Brendan Hausen, and Izaiah Pasha.

However, if Steele Venters is healthy the 6'7 elite shooter could be a perfect addition to the Zags, after he agonizingly sat two consecutive seasons with knee and foot injuries, respectively. 

Plus, Tarleton State transfer Emmanuel Innocenti filled in admirably as a hard-nosed defender and ball mover last year, and could compete for that role as well.

Bench/Rotation

Emmanuel Innocenti (1.7 PPG last year)

Ismaila Diagne (3.4 PPG last year)

Davis Fogle (No. 32 in ESPN Top 100 for 2025 class)

While Innocenti will compete to start, ultimately he's very similar to Warley and best served as a key bench piece for coach Few and the Zags. He provides tenacious on-ball defense and while his offensive game is still developing, the potential is there.

Speaking of potential, Diagne showcased incredible upside against Santa Clara late in the regular season, and his tremendous athleticism and size make him an extremely tantalizing piece of this roster, and one who should see more playing time as a sophomore behind the two bigs.

Fogle is from Anacortes, WA and grew from 6'2 to 6'7 while in high school which ballooned his stock from unheralded high schooler to top 50 prospect. How much he plays in year one depends on what Gonzaga does in the transfer portal, but as of now he'd be at the back of Gonzaga's rotation.

What's Next

Gonzaga fans can expect the program to be active in hunting for a shooting guard with size and three point shooting capabilities, two areas of need for the roster. 

It wouldn't be a surprise to see the team look for younger, developmental pieces to add to the roster as well, likely as a backup point guard or at power forward. 

Those could be transfers with 3-4 years of eligibility remaining, still uncommitted incoming freshmen, or international players - which has been a staple of the program the past few offseasons with additions like Yeo, Luka Krajnovic, Pavle Stosic, and Diagne.