Gonzaga Bulldogs: Recruiting and Transfer Portal Activity
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are in the midst of a big turnover. All their starters declared for the NBA Draft and new players are coming in.
Every member of the Gonzaga Bulldogs starting five from 2021-22, declared for the NBA Draft. Even though GU had a deep team, full of players ready to step up, there are still spots available for the right fits. We take a look at a few new Zags coming into the program, as well as some others who are considering playing ball in Spokane.
2022-23 Commits
Braden Huff, PF
6-9, 205 Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn, IL
Gonzaga’s lone high school signing for the 2022 recruiting class, Braden Huff, could get playing time quickly at Gonzaga. The team lacks size and depth at the power spots, and at 6-9, Huff should be able to help.
A highly skilled player, Huff comes to the Gonzaga Bulldogs ranked as a 4-star recruit by both 24/7 and ESPN. His versatility, whether it be shooting from outside or defending the low-post makes him ideal for Mark Few’s system.
Braden Huff throws it DOWN 💪@BradenHuff7 @HoopsGBWest @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/4de1bmakGB
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) February 6, 2022
Efton Reid, C, Sophomore
6-11, 225, Louisiana State University
2021-22 – 34 games, 19.8 minutes, 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 43% FT
Gonzaga found a replacement for Chet Holmgren in the transfer portal. Center Efton Reid comes to Spokane after one year at Louisiana State.
Sometimes, things don’t work out the way a school or player hoped they would. Efton Reid Joined LSU last season as a 5-star recruit. He started every game but struggled to find consistency on the court.
The Zags definitely have a place for him, and Few is looking forward to helping the big man develop his game.
Interested in transfering to Gonzaga
Kevin McCullar Jr., PF, Senior
6-6, 205-pounds, Texas Tech University
2021-22 – 29 games, 31.9 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists
Adding Kevin McCullar to the mix at Gonzaga instantly improves their interior defense. The big power forward declared for the NBA Draft, but he may not stay in it. If he does come back to college, it won’t be with the Red Raiders because McCullar also put his name in the Transfer Portal.
Tyrese Hunter, PG, Sophomore
6-0, 178-pounds, Iowa State University
2021-22 – 35 games, 31.9 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.2 assists
It’s one and out for Tyrese Hunter at Iowa State. Hunter will visit the Zags this weekend. He’s a fantastic point who many believe is the top player in the transfer portal. Although not a great shooter, Hunter is known for his poise, defense, and court leadership.
2023-24 Commit
Dusty Stromer, SG
6-6, 180, Notre Dame High School, Sherman Oaks, CA
Gonzaga beat out Tommy Lloyd and Arizona for the 4-star prospect from Southern California. Even if there aren’t any guards who transfer in, Stromer will still have to compete with Nolan Hickman, Dominick Harris, and Hunter Sallis for minutes when he arrives on campus next season.
Highly Ranked 2023-24 recruits considering Gonzaga
The battle is on for the top recruits in the Class of 2023. Two additional highly ranked recruits have the Gonzaga Bulldogs among their preferred schools.
Ranked 5-Stars by the major ranking services, Javante Taylor is a 6’8” small forward. He plays for Donda Academy in Simi Valley, California, which is owned by Kanye West. 24/7 sports has him as the 8th-ranked recruit in the class, and ESPN puts him 17th.
Ja’Kobe Walter is another 5-star recruit. According to ESPN, the 6’5” shooting guard from McKinney High School (Texas) is the 17th-ranked recruit, and 24/7 has him 23rd.