Page 35 - Mark Few News Today

While Julian Strawther and Malachi Smith depart, the Spokane forward returns for one final season

CLOSER TO home, we’ve gotten used to Gonzaga having one brilliant season after another. Entry into the Big Dance feels almost like a birthright. And yet … The Zags are considered something of a failure on the national stage, simply because they haven’t won an NCAA championship.

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“Coach Krause was one of the most impactful coaches I have ever been around,” said Lisa Fortier, who was a Gonzaga women’s assistant for seven years before being named head coach in 2024. “He cared about people and their development in a way that made those he mentored feel confident and capable. He believed in me and invested his time to help make our program better.

The Hoos haven't won a NCAA Tournament game since the '19 championship season and have lost 12 transfers the last four years.

One of the top four glamor quarterbacks should be available when Seattle goes on the clock with selection No. 5 — either that, or if they all fly off the board with the first four picks, the Hawks would have their choice of any defensive player in the draft.

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The Zags have now landed three players from the transfer portal this offseason, recently securing a commitment from Eastern Washington swingman Steele Venters.

Creighton point guard Ryan Nembhard completed his transfer out of Omaha on Friday, committing to play at Gonzaga.