Ranking Gonzaga’s 11 newcomers by projected impact in 2026-27

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs overhauled nearly the entire roster that went 31-4 last year before losing to No. 11 seed Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Only four players – senior Braden Huff and sophomores Davis Fogle, Parker Jefferson, and walk-on Alonzo Metz – are back in the mix for 2026-27, while the staff has worked relentlessly over the last few months to bring 11 newcomers to Spokane.

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Of course, the work isn’t over, as five of those 11 newcomers are in eligibility limbo with the NCAA. Three of them, Xaivian Lee, Javon Bennett, and Chauncey Wiggins, are fighting for eligibility as members of the high school class of 2022, while two others – Izan Almansa and Nathan de Sousa – are international commits who are still waiting for the NCAA to grant them eligibility for this upcoming season.

Assuming everyone ends up eligible – and that’s a big if – Gonzaga boasts one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the entire country. Below is a look at each of the 11 newcomers on the roster, ranked by how impactful they are projected to be this upcoming season:

1. Center Massamba Diop (Arizona State transfer)

Mar 3, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So much attention has gone to the recent backcourt additions, but ultimately the best player brought to Spokane this offseason is the big man Massamba Diop. Diop is a 7’1 monster from Arizona State who averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks with the Sun Devils as a freshman last year.

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He is a near perfect fit next to Huff in Few’s system, and gives the Zags the rim protector they haven’t had since Holmgren’s departure in 2022. Don’t be surprised if Diop is on the All Pac-12 First Team, or even in consideration as a 2027 NBA draft pick.

2. Point guard Xaivian Lee (Florida transfer)

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Xaivian Lee (1) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When Mario Saint-Supery shocked…

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Publish date : 2026-09-07 23:44:00

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