Gonzaga Basketball: Two more Zags stars declare for the NBA draft

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Apr 22, 2022
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga Bulldogs, 2021-22 WCC Champs.

Two more Gonzaga Bulldogs declared for the NBA Draft this week. One I thought would do it, the other I hope will wait another year.

This week two more members of the Gonzaga Bulldogs decided to enter their names into the NBA Draft.

The floor general marches on.

Andrew Nembhard, the Bulldogs’ floor general and point guard, declared for the draft this week. I hoped he would use the COVID year to return, but Nembhard will be a valuable member of any NBA team. Nembhard played two seasons at Gonzaga after transferring from Florida. This season, Nembhard is one of five finalists for the 2022 Bob Cousy Award for the nation’s top point guard. An ESPN article by Jonathan Givony Nembhard says,

“This is my time. It’s time to let the young guys take over the program. In this draft I feel like I’m among the top. There are not many point guards in this class that can impact the game in a winnings sense in the way I can. I’ve gotten feedback and did the things the NBA told me I needed to do to take the next step. I’m ready.”

https://twitter.com/AndrewNembhard/status/1517130152920043520?s=20&t=XJmTkOj_1PDmznUEBCm0Jw

Everyone should read this ESPN article where Nembhard tells us why he should be in the NBA. Nembhard needs a team that develops its young players. We salute this floor general and wish him nothing but the best in what I believe will be a great NBA career.

Julian Strawther declares for the Draft.

Julian Strawther is what the Gonzaga Bulldogs needed after Jalen Suggs left for the bright lights of the NBA last year. Strawther was the most athletic member of last season’s team and played several different roles depending on the situation.

In 2021-22 he was part of the starting lineup that propelled Gonzaga to another West Coast Conference Championship and Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA tournament.

The Las Vegas native wants to skip his junior year and head for the NBA. However, he has left himself open to returning to school by choosing an NCAA agent to represent him. That makes returning to school easier if he changes his mind.

Zags Nation, four of our starters have declared for the draft. Next, we’ll talk about Chet Holmgrens as he goes forward as the presumptive No. 1 draft pick this year.

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