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Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs have long succeeded at recruiting internationally, dating back 20+ years with the likes of Ronny Turiaf and JP Batista, and culminating in the team’s current roster, which features Mario Saint-Supery (Spain) and Jack Kayil (Germany).
The team has leveraged those international connections to pull in talent via the transfer portal as well, none more significant than last month’s addition of 7’1 center Massamba Diop from Arizona State, who previously played for Real Madrid in Spain.
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Diop was excellent for the Sun Devils last year, but it is well known that players tend to perform better after a year or two in the States. The adjustment from international ball to college hoops is significant, not only from how the game is played stylistically, but also in how it is officiated.
That, combined with a culture shock of moving across the world, often results in players struggling out of the gate before finding their stride in year two.
And in the transfer portal era, it can be advantageous to pursue players who have already endured their first ‘culture shock’ season in the States – much like the Zags did with Diop.
Could another transfer join Saint-Supery and Diop in having a big second season stateside with Gonzaga? Below is a look at three available transfers who could be in line for sophomore breakouts that the Zags should consider pursuing:
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1. Mihailo Petrovic, Guard, Illinois Fighting Illini
Nov 24, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Mihailo Petrovic (77) | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Petrovic is perhaps the highest risk, highest reward international player still available in the portal. The 6’3 Serbian was considered a lock to be an immediate contributor when he joined Illinois ahead of the 2025-26 season.
He played multiple years in some of the top leagues in Europe, culminating in a season where he averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 assists in 28 games with Mega Mozzart in the ABA, while being teammates with…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-international-sophomores-gonzaga-pursue-171319992.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-11 17:13:00
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