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Elite Scoring Guard Coached By Former Gonzaga Great Enters Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Blayne Gilmer | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 9:59 PM ET

Northern Arizona University guard Trent McLaughlin has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, and his departure is bound to turn heads across college basketball. The 6-foot-6 All-Big Sky selection is coming off a breakout year where he averaged 22.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Known for his scoring instincts and ability to stretch the floor, McLaughlin hit 34.6% from deep and maintained a solid 42.3% shooting clip overall.

McLaughlin brings two traits that Gonzaga head coach Mark Few is actively searching for in this year’s transfer cycle: size in the backcourt and proven scoring punch.

With the Bulldogs set to reload after several key departures, a lengthy guard with McLaughlin’s scoring resume could be a valuable addition, especially in a system that thrives on ball movement and offensive efficiency. As good as Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman were for Few and the Zags, size was an issue against bigger backcourts at times.

NAU’s Trent McLaughlin has entered the transfer portal, as a grad transfer.

The 6’6” guard started all 34 games played, averaging 22.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

Earned All-Big Sky First Team honors. pic.twitter.com/KgAuvdDlJL
— PortalUpdates (@portal_updates) April 22, 2025

But there’s more than just a basketball fit that links McLaughlin to the Zags — there’s a personal connection. NAU Associate Head Coach Gary Bell Jr. is one of Gonzaga’s most respected alumni. During his time in Spokane, Bell Jr. made his mark as a lockdown defender and a dependable offensive contributor. He finished his Gonzaga career with over 1,200 points and 219 three-pointers, and he was named WCC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014-15 for his efforts on that end of the floor.

After his playing days, Bell Jr. also spent time on Gonzaga’s staff in a developmental role before joining Northern Arizona’s coaching ranks. His ties to the Bulldogs run deep, and his mentorship of McLaughlin makes Gonzaga a natural landing spot should the Zags decide to pursue.

McLaughlin’s size, scoring ability, and familiarity with a Gonzaga-style approach under Bell Jr. make him one of the more intriguing portal names to monitor for Mark Few’s program.

While Bell Jr. and NAU surely hate to see McLaughlin move on, if there’s one destination that might soften the blow for the former Zag standout, it would be Spokane and a reunion with his alma mater.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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