Gonzaga basketball: Bulldogs produce four new NBA players
The NBA draft was a great one for the four Gonzaga Bulldogs. Three were drafted, and one of them signed a two-way G League contract.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs produced four NBA players. Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, Joel Ayayi, and Filip Petrusev. Why not, after the year three of them had, going undefeated for an entire season up to the NCAA championship game. The other, Petrusev, spent 2020-21 overseas playing in Serbia, and it’s evident why he is now an NBA player.
Jalen Suggs
“With the fifth pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Orlando Magic select Jalen Suggs!” Yes, pre-draft mocks had him in the top three. But fifth! Orlando Magic fans are in for a great season with Suggs on their team. A hard worker and great player, Mr. Football will add more magic to his team. I felt he should have been first, but then again, I am not at all objective.
Suggs’ star shone brightly in his first NBA Summer League game. That young man is going to be a star! Not only did he have 24 points, but he made a game-saving play that would have left a tear in the eye of us Bulldog fans. Can you say “Rookie of the Year?”
Corey Kispert
“With the 15th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards select Corey Kispert.” There was a look of relief on his face when his name was called—fifteenth overall in the draft. In my opinion, Corey Kispert is a top-ten player. I had hoped beyond hope that the Knicks would be able to trade up for him. They tried their best, but it didn’t work. Washington now has Bradley Beal and Kispert. They will have a much better season than they did last year.
Joel Ayayi
He didn’t get a chance to hear his name called, but Joel Ayayi is the Bulldog most likely to get a ring. He was the first player to get a triple-double for Gonzaga and maybe now the first to win an NBA championship ring. When the dust had settled, and the commissioner didn’t call Ayayi’s name, he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team.
In his first Summer League game, Ayayi played much as he did as a Bulldog. With his ball-handling, decision-making, and basketball knowledge, Ayayi looked great in the Lakers’ backcourt.
Filip Petrusev
Lastly, Filip Petrusev, although he is playing overseas, was chosen 50th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Petrusev is listed on the Sixers roster as a power forward but can also play center. So he will be one of Joel Embiid’s backups. Filip is still in his native Serbia, playing for the KK Mega Soccerbet. No time has been announced for his permanent return to America, but he’s on Philly’s summer league team. The Serbian League MVP has the potential to stretch the floor and make a great defensive impact.
Next offseason, we will most likely be talking about Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren as the next Gonzaga basketball stars headed to the draft. Do you think Holmgren will be the number one pick? In the comment section below, let us know how you think the Zags alumni will do in the NBA.