Zags Wednesday: Spotlight on Hunter Sallis
Teresa Powe
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This week our spotlight is on Hunter Sallis. Sallis was the first recruit to commit to Gonzaga last Spring and chose the Zags over several teams, and I am glad he did.
On March 26, 2003, Hunter Sallis was born in Omaha, NE. His mother, Jessica Hynes, played basketball for San Diego State, and no, it’s not just a rumor; James Harden and Ron Boone are related to her. His dad, Trevis Sallis, is Director of Student Transportation for Omaha’s public schools.
Beginnings
At Millard North high school in Omaha, Sallis played for the varsity team in his freshman year. Four years later, he averaged 22.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as a senior. Hunter’s accolades include being named to the McDonald’s All American game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.
Sallis was rated a five-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports, making him the first five-star recruit from Nebraska. On March 26, 2021, he committed to Gonzaga, choosing the Zags over Kentucky, North Carolina, Iowa State, Kansas, Creighton, UCLA, and Oregon. He was the Zags’ first commitment of 2021. In an April 15 press release, Coach Mark Few had this to say about Sallis:
“Hunter is a great person, that comes from a great family. He is a high character individual with a bright future. We’re looking forward to having him on our team and in our Zag family.”
Maybe the play of the night. Off a Strawther miss, Hunter Sallis is there to CLEANUP! He’s had a few of these type of plays this season! pic.twitter.com/7OUXHWijx7
— Alex Crescenti (@alex_crescenti) February 11, 2022
At Gonzaga
Hunter Sallis had a very successful first year, coming in for Andrew Nembhard, Julian Strawther, or Rasir Bolton. Will there be a future spot in Coach Few’s three-guard rotations for Sallis with two seniors most likely leaving? We’ll leave that for another article, another day… soon.
Hunter could very well be the new floor general if Nembhard leaves. This is because he works so well on both ends of the floor. Off the bench, Sallis is 56.8 percent from the field, 23.5 percent on three-pointers, and 75 percent at the charity stripe. He averages 25 minutes and 4.8 points per game.
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No matter if starting or off the bench, Hunter Sallis is a great addition and will undoubtedly be of assistance in achieving that Championship trophy.
Stay tuned until Monday when ZAGS 360 will report on the last week of the regular season. Please stay safe and healthy out there.