Gonzaga’s projected starting lineup for the 2026-27 season

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs have had a whirlwind of an offseason, one that is ongoing with four players still in eligibility limbo, less than one month until the season opener against Purdue.

Gonzaga’s projected starting lineup has changed dramatically throughout the offseason, with multiple surprise departures, additions, and back-and-forth eligibility for the three 5-in-5 seniors in Javon Bennett, Xaivian Lee, and Chauncey Wiggins.

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However, after Kraziness in the Kennel on Saturday, a clearer picture of who might step onto the court together for the opening tip-off of the regular season began to emerge. Assuming eligibility for Lee, Bennett, Wiggins, and international big man Izan Almansa – who was very impressive over the weekend – here is an updated look at Gonzaga’s projected starting five:

Sophomore center Massamba Diop

Gonzaga forward Massamba Diop (35) at Kraziness in the Kennel | Photo by Myk Crawford

Diop was Gonzaga’s top addition of the offseason, a hulking 7’1 center who starred as a freshman last year at Arizona State. Diop gives Gonzaga its best rim protector since Chet Holmgren in 2021-22, and he is a perfect fit next to Braden Huff as an efficient low-post scorer, pick-and-roll lob threat, and dominant defensive force on the interior.

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The big man looked a little raw at Kraziness on Saturday, dropping six points on 2-4 shooting with four fouls, but the upside is tremendous and it likely won’t take him long to emerge as one of the best big men in the entire country.

Senior forward Braden Huff

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Braden Huff (34). | Photo by Myk Crawford

Returning for a fifth year in Spokane, Braden Huff looked great on Saturday, coming off a knee injury that kept him off the floor the entire second half of last season.

Once he fully shakes the rust off, Huff will be Gonzaga’s go-to scorer on the interior and could easily push 20 points per game and threaten for Pac-12 Player of the Year – and a potential All-American…

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Publish date : 2026-10-06 23:05:00

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