Gonzaga Basketball: Where do the Zags go from here?
Teresa Powe
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On the Fence
Drew Timme
Drew Timme should return to Gonzaga for his Junior year. His defense isn’t at a pro-level yet. Besides, imagine what he and Holmgren as center could do at the rim? Timme did win the Karl Malone Power Forward Award. With him at the four, Holmgren at the five, and Nembhard and Sallis as their point. This could be what the Bulldogs would need to go all the way next year.
Should Timme elect to declare for the draft, he most likely will be a second-round choice. His less-than-stellar rim protection would be the biggest reason why. This year he was the WCC’s number two scorer behind Kispert. Although Timme averaged seven rebounds per game this season, his blocks were grim 0.7.
Transfer Portal
Two of the Zags reserve big men entered the transfer portal recently. Freshman Oumar Ballo and sophomore Pavel Zakharov, both seven-foot centers, are leaving the Zags. The handwriting was on the wall when head coach Mark Few used 6-8 Anton Watson and 6-10 freshman Ben Gregg as Timme’s subs.
Also, Timme is still a Zag for now, and in addition to Holmgren, Gonzaga is a favorite to land former North Carolina Tar Heels center Walker Kessler, who also has his name in the portal. Ballo and Zakharov were Top-100 recruits, so it shouldn’t be a big deal for either to find a new home.
Related Story: Thank you, Zags for a wonderful season
Goodbye for now, and please stay safe and healthy!