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The 55 Best Gonzaga Players Who Made Their Mark in the NBA

Hailing from a little Jesuit school in Spokane, Washington has never stopped these Bulldogs from sinking their teeth into NBA hardwood. As Gonzaga has evolved into a national powerhouse like Duke,  they’ve unleashed a pack of pro-ready players with underdog determination.

Don’t let their small campus in sleepy Eastern Washington fool you—these Zags boast big-time talent and even bigger dreams. Now watch them take the Association by storm. From slippery guards with Euro moves to lanky bigs owning the paint, I present the upper crust of Gonzaga greats who dared to dream NBA-big.

So join me on a journey through Zags history as we highlight those exceptional Bulldogs who leapt from obscurity to basketball stardom—the 55 best and brightest Gonzaga stars who left their mark on the league.

1. John Stockton

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John Houston Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player. Widely considered one of the best point guards, players, passers and among the best players in the 90s ever, he spent his entire NBA career from 1984 to 2003 playing for the Utah Jazz. Under his leadership, the Jazz made the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons.

After weighing offers from the University of Idaho and the University of Montana, Stockton opted to stay close to home and play college basketball for Gonzaga University under coach Dan Fitzgerald. In his senior 1984 season, Stockton averaged 20.9 points per game while shooting 57% from the field.

He led Gonzaga to a 17-11 record, their best in 17 years, and led the West Coast Athletic Conference in scoring, assists, and steals – earning WCAC Player of the Year honours as the first-ever Gonzaga player to do so.

Stockton was one of 74 players invited to try out for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, coached by Bob Knight. He made it to the final 20 players before being cut in the penultimate round. Despite missing the team, the experience allowed Stockton to meet his future Utah Jazz teammate and friend, Karl Malone.

2. Domantas Sabonis

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Domantas Sabonis is a professional basketball player with dual Lithuanian-American citizenship. He currently plays for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Sabonis is a three-time NBA All-Star named to the All-NBA Team in 2023. He started his career with Unicaja Málaga in Spain before moving to the United States to play college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Sabonis is known for his versatile skillset, excelling at scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. In 2023, he was instrumental in leading the Kings to the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, breaking their 17-year playoff drought and setting a new franchise record.

Along with teammate De’Aaron Fox, Sabonis is positioned to help revitalize the Sacramento Kings and potentially guide them back to their former glory. He continues to be a pivotal player for the Kings as they aim to become playoff contenders again.

3. Adam Morrison

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Adam John Morrison is a retired American professional basketball player. He played three seasons at Gonzaga University, emerging as one of college basketball’s top players in 2005-06.

Arriving at Gonzaga in 2003, Morrison averaged 11.4 points per game (ppg) as a freshman, helping the Bulldogs win the West Coast Conference regular-season title. He was named to the All-Freshman Team. In his sophomore season, Morrison averaged 19.0 ppg and again led Gonzaga to the conference crown, making First Team All-Conference.

Entering his decorated 2005-06 junior campaign, Morrison excelled against top-ranked Maryland and UCLA from California. However, despite his 24 points against UCLA in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, Gonzaga collapsed and lost on late turnovers after overcoming a 17-point deficit.

As the game slipped away, an emotional Morrison broke down in tears on the court before being helped up by UCLA’s Arron Afflalo. Lauded and criticized for the raw display, Morrison shared National Player of the Year honours with Duke’s J.J. Redick. The UCLA game proved his last for Gonzaga, as he entered the NBA Draft after forgoing his senior season.

4. Drew Timme

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Andrew Matthew Timme is an American professional basketball player currently with the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. He previously played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Timme was a three-time consensus All-American selection at Gonzaga, earning first-team honours as a senior in 2023. He was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year over his career, while also finishing as Gonzaga’s all-time leading scorer.

After a decorated career with the Bulldogs where he cemented his legacy as one of their greatest players ever, Timme is now plying his trade in the G League as he aims to make an NBA roster.

With his collection of collegiate accolades and prolific scoring ability, Timme is hoping his dominant game in college can translate to success as a pro.

5. Kelly Olynyk

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Kelly Tyler Olynyk is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. He previously played college basketball for Gonzaga University, earning NCAA All-American honours in 2013.

Olynyk had limited roles off the bench his first two seasons at Gonzaga, averaging about 12-13 minutes per game. Looking to develop his game and get stronger, Olynyk redshirted his junior year in 2011-2012, practising with the team but not playing in games.

He returned to Gonzaga’s lineup in 2012-2013 and had a tremendous season, garnering Consensus First-Team All-American selection while also earning Academic All-America honours.

Following this breakout year, Olynyk entered the 2013 NBA draft, forgoing his senior season of eligibility after already having received his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

6. Rui Hachimura

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Rui Hachimura is a Japanese professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He previously played college basketball for Gonzaga University.

Hachimura has represented the Japanese national team and plays both small forward and power forward positions. After being drafted 9th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2019, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020.

When Hachimura joined Gonzaga in 2016, he was the fifth Japanese-born player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. In 2017, he became the first Japanese national to play in the NCAA Tournament.

As a sophomore, Hachimura earned First Team All-West Coast Conference honours and was later named a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award. He continues to thrive as a versatile forward capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.

7. Corey Kispert

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Corey James Kispert is an American professional basketball player currently with the Washington Wizards of the NBA. He previously played four seasons of college basketball for Gonzaga University, earning consensus First Team All-American honors as a senior in 2021.

After averaging 6.7 points in 35 games as a freshman, Kispert became a starter his sophomore year, putting up 8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Entering his senior campaign, he was named to the Preseason All-West Coast Conference team.

Kispert scored his 1,000th career point in Gonzaga’s season-opening win over Kansas while posting 23 points. He later set a career-high with 32 points and tied the school record with 9 three-pointers against Virginia.

Kispert led Gonzaga to a 31-1 record in 2021 with its only loss coming in the National Championship game. He was named WCC Player of the Year and won the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward while averaging 18.6 points and 5 rebounds per game as a senior.

8. Brandon Clarke

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Brandon Clarke is a Canadian-American basketball player in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis, Tennessee. Before going pro, he played college hoops at Gonzaga after transferring from San Jose State.

In his standout junior season at Gonzaga in 2019, Clarke earned many conference and national accolades. He was named the West Coast Conference’s Newcomer of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and the All-WCC First Team – becoming the first WCC player ever to win both Newcomer and Defensive honours in one year.

Additionally, Clarke made the All-American Third Team as chosen by The Sporting News. During Gonzaga’s 2019 March Madness run, he delivered an epic 36-point, 8-rebound, 5-block performance to beat #9 seed Baylor in the Second Round. It was just the third 35-point, 5-block effort in NCAA Tournament history. Clarke also set Gonzaga’s new tournament single-game scoring record, surpassing Adam Morrison’s previous benchmark.

9. Jalen Suggs

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Jalen Suggs is an American professional basketball player currently with the Orlando Magic in Florida after being drafted in 2021. He previously played one season of college basketball for Gonzaga University.

As a freshman in 2020-21, Suggs helped lead Gonzaga to a historic season while establishing himself as one of the top players in college basketball. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, garnering consensus Second Team All-American honours. Suggs was also named First Team All-West Coast Conference, Conference Newcomer of the Year, and the All-Freshman Team.

He won multiple Player of the Week awards during Gonzaga’s near-perfect season that ended in the National Championship game. After the acclaimed freshman campaign, Suggs entered the 2021 NBA Draft forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. He was selected 5th overall by the Orlando Magic and continues to develop as an exciting young talent at the pro level.

10. Dan Dickau

Daniel David Dickau from Portland, Oregon is a former professional basketball player who now works as a broadcaster for various networks including ESPN, Pac-12 Network, and CBS Sports Network.

Dickau played college basketball at Gonzaga University, where he sat out the 1999-2000 season due to transfer rules before emerging as a standout point guard over the next two seasons under head coach Mark Few.

As a redshirt junior in 2001, Dickau led Gonzaga to a 26-7 record while averaging over 20 points and 5 assists per game, garnering All-Conference honors. He managed to exceed those numbers as a senior in 2002, putting up over 21 points and 4 assists per game while shooting over 40% from three-point range.

Dickau’s prolific season earned him consensus First-Team All-American accolades. After a brief NBA career, he has transitioned successfully into a broadcasting role covering college basketball and March Madness. Dickau is now able to provide analysis on the Gonzaga program where he once starred as an elite point guard.

11. Ronny Turiaf

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Ronny Turiaf is a retired French professional basketball player who spent 10 seasons in the NBA and also played for the French National Team. Turiaf grew up playing in France before accepting a scholarship to play college basketball at Gonzaga University in the United States.

He played four seasons at Gonzaga, establishing himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. Over his final three collegiate seasons, Turiaf was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team.

In his stellar senior campaign in 2004-05, he was named WCC Player of the Year while averaging 16 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.

Turiaf finished his Gonzaga career ranked top in school history in both scoring and rebounding. He graduated with an unprecedented triple major in sports management, communication and French. After a successful college tenure, Turiaf embarked on a decade-long NBA career.

His breakout performance at Gonzaga enabled Turiaf to become the first French-born player to win an NBA championship, doing so with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.

12. Kevin Pangos

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Kevin Joseph Pangos, a basketball athlete with dual Canadian-Slovenian citizenship, competes professionally for Olimpia Milano in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague.

Throughout his collegiate basketball tenure, he represented the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the West Coast Conference. He earned recognition as the 2015 WCC Player of the Year and secured a spot as a third-team All-American by Sporting News.

Pangos holds the record for most 3-pointers in his school’s history with an impressive tally of 313 shots, placing him fifth in the all-time list for men’s basketball in the West Coast Conference.

13. Frank Burgess

Franklin D. Burgess, an American basketball player and later a US district judge from Arkansas, enrolled at Gonzaga University in 1958 following his Air Force service. Spending three years there, he consistently led the Bulldogs in scoring, achieving milestones like seven games with 40+ points and a peak of 52 points against UC Davis.

His remarkable 1960–61 season crowned him the NCAA’s top scorer, averaging 32.4 points per game, culminating as Gonzaga’s all-time leading scorer with 2,196 points. Honored as an All-American in junior and senior years, Burgess ended his Gonzaga tenure in 1961 but left an indelible mark in the school’s record books.

14. Zach Collins

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Zach Collins, born on November 19, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American professional basketball athlete presently with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He previously played college basketball with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Initially a freshman at Gonzaga, Collins predominantly served as a backup centre, often in rotation alongside fifth-year senior Przemek Karnowski. Throughout the 2016–17 season, he maintained averages of 10 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game.

Notably, in the 2017 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament’s national semifinal, Collins contributed significantly with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks, propelling the Bulldogs to a 77–73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks and securing their first national championship game appearance.

15. Nigel Williams-Goss

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Nigel Williams-Goss, now with Olympiacos in the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague, entered the NBA in 2017 as the Utah Jazz’s 55th pick. His college stint at Gonzaga followed a departure from Washington in April 2015 due to discomfort with the program changes and consistent losses despite his strong rapport with Coach Romar and teammates.

After considering various schools, he committed to Gonzaga, redshirting the 2015–16 season to maximize his eligibility. At Gonzaga, he excelled in his sole junior season, achieving personal bests in scoring, shooting, rebounds, and steals per game.

His contributions earned him multiple accolades, including conference awards and recognition as a key player in Gonzaga’s 37–2 season, culminating in their first NCAA Championship appearance, although they fell to the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Subsequently, Williams-Goss declared for the 2017 NBA draft along with a record number of underclassmen, signing with an agent on the same day as his declaration.

16. Casey Calvary

Casey Calvary, a former American professional basketball athlete, had a diverse career spanning Japan, the United States, Spain, and Australia, notably competing for two seasons in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).

Standing tall at 6’8, Calvary emerged from Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, Washington, before making a mark in collegiate basketball at Gonzaga University. His tenure at Gonzaga included pivotal roles in three consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances from 1999 to 2001.

He consistently started for the team, securing first-team All-West Coast Conference accolades in his junior and senior years and clinching the WCC Player of the Year title in 2001.

Calvary’s Gonzaga tenure witnessed him tallying 1,509 points and 757 rebounds, placing him among the top ten in the Zags’ historical records in both categories upon his graduation.

17. Richie Frahm

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Richard Anthony Frahm, an American ex-professional basketball athlete, entered the sport after an undrafted tenure at Gonzaga University, followed by short international experiences, including the Philippine Basketball Association and Turkey. Standing at 6’5″ (1.96 m), he served as a shooting guard.

In 2003, Frahm inked a contract with the Seattle SuperSonics, featuring for a single season and maintaining an average of 3.4 points and one rebound per game during his time with the team.

18. Jeremy Pargo

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Jeremy Raymon Pargo, an American professional basketball athlete from Chicago Illinois, currently competes for the NBA G League Ignite within the NBA G League. Pargo dedicated four college basketball seasons to the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Gonzaga University.

His junior year in 2008 saw him honoured as the WCC Player of the Year. Additionally, he gained prominence by gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2009 March Madness issue the following year.

Throughout his college tenure, Pargo maintained averages of 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His time at Gonzaga was marked by the team’s consistent success, qualifying for the NCAA tournaments in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

19. Andrew Nembhard

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Andrew William Nembhard, a Canadian professional basketball athlete, currently plays for the Indiana Pacers from Indiana in the NBA. He pursued his college basketball career at both Florida Gators and Gonzaga Bulldogs.

During his initial season at Gonzaga, despite primarily serving as a bench player (while playing more minutes per game than two starting Bulldogs), he secured averages of 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Notably, he contributed significantly to an undefeated conference tournament team.

Nembhard earned recognition as the West Coast Conference’s inaugural Sixth Man of the Year and secured a spot on the all-conference second team. His senior year witnessed impressive statistics, averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, leading to his inclusion in the First Team All-WCC.

20. Matt Santangelo

Matthew William Santangelo, an American-Italian retired professional basketball athlete, competed in college basketball for Gonzaga University. He attained a gold medal with the USA men’s basketball team at the 1999 World University Games held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

21. Chet Holmgren

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Chet Thomas Holmgren, an American professional basketball athlete from Minneapolis, Minnesota, currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft after showcasing his skills in college basketball with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

His collegiate debut saw an impressive performance, scoring 14 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, blocking 7 shots, and providing 6 assists in a 97–63 win against Dixie State. This achievement marked him as the first player in 25 years to achieve at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in their debut game.

Throughout the regular season, the 7-foot freshman exhibited remarkable skills, earning titles such as West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. In a notable NCAA tournament game, Holmgren contributed significantly with 19 points, 17 rebounds, seven blocks, and five assists in a 93–72 victory over Georgia State.

As a freshman, he maintained an average of 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. Holmgren announced his decision to enter the 2022 NBA draft on April 21, 2022, opting to forego the remaining eligibility in his college career.

22. Blake Stepp

Blake Roy Stepp, an American former professional basketball athlete from Oregon, enjoyed a distinguished career beginning at South Eugene High School and continuing through Gonzaga University.

He entered the NBA after being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft. Stepp’s college basketball tenure at Gonzaga University spanned from 2000 to 2004, where he maintained an average of 13.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game over four years with the Bulldogs.

He earned the WCC Player of the Year title in both 2003 and 2004. Recognizing his achievements, Stepp received induction into the WCC Hall of Fame in 2012.

23. Kyle Wiltjer

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Kyle Gregory Wiltjer, a Canadian-American professional basketball athlete, currently competes for Reyer Venezia Mestre in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA).

He initially spent two college basketball seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats before transferring to join the Gonzaga Bulldogs in 2013. Wiltjer’s presence at Gonzaga significantly contributed to their second-ever Elite Eight appearance and a school-record 35–3 season. Recognized for his performance, he earned honours including Consensus Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-WCC, and WCC Newcomer of the Year accolades.

During his debut season at Gonzaga, Wiltjer played 38 games, averaging 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27.6 minutes per game. Despite contemplating entry into the 2015 NBA draft, Wiltjer decided to return for his senior year at Gonzaga.

His second season at Gonzaga began with accolades such as being named CBS Sports’ preseason player of the year and earning projections from Sports Illustrated as the preseason player of the year, scoring champion, and top-usage player in NCAA Division 1 basketball. Additionally, he was selected for the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith Trophy on February 11.

24. Robert Sacre

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Robert Sacre, an American-Canadian professional basketball figure from Louisiana, currently holds the role of assistant general manager for the Vancouver Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

Possessing dual citizenship in the United States and Canada, Sacre has represented the Canadian national basketball team. Following his commitment to the Gonzaga Bulldogs for NCAA Division I basketball, Sacre began his collegiate journey with Gonzaga University before the 2007–08 season.

Initially playing off the bench in his freshman year, he averaged nine minutes per game. However, his sophomore year faced a setback when he sustained a foot injury three games into the 2008–09 season, subsequently receiving a medical redshirt.

Sacre made a strong return in the 2009–10 season, serving as the Bulldogs’ starting centre and posting averages of 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Concluding his collegiate career in 2012, Sacre amassed a total of 1,270 points, secured 679 rebounds, and achieved 186 blocks.

25. Joël Ayayi

Joël Ayayi, a French professional basketball player from Bordeaux, competes for Nanterre 92 in the LNB Pro A, having previously played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Joining Gonzaga at 17, Ayayi redshirted his initial season to train with the team.

In his redshirt freshman year, he averaged 5.6 minutes across 23 games. Notably, early in his sophomore season, Ayayi displayed an impressive performance with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists against Southern Miss. Throughout the season, he showcased consistent prowess, earning Honorable Mention All-West Coast Conference recognition.

His contributions helped Gonzaga secure the WCC tournament, where he was named Most Outstanding Player. Ayayi’s junior year witnessed notable achievements, including Gonzaga’s first-ever triple-double, averaging 12 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, earning him First Team All-WCC recognition.

Declaring for the 2021 NBA draft, Ayayi decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility following the season.

26. Killian Tillie

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Killian Wiard Tillie, a French professional basketballer from Â鶹APP, previously associated with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, had a collegiate stint with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Tillie’s inaugural appearance for Gonzaga on November 5, 2016, showcased his prowess, contributing four points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals in a mere twelve minutes against West Georgia.

During his freshman year (2016–17), he participated in 33 games, averaging 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game. Noteworthy was his 14-minute performance in the NCAA championship against North Carolina, securing nine rebounds.

As a sophomore, Tillie emerged as Gonzaga’s second-leading scorer in the 2017–18 season, averaging 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1 block per game. His junior season saw his inclusion in the Preseason All-WCC Team but he was sidelined for about eight weeks due to a stress fracture.

Starting his senior season recovering from a knee injury, Tillie marked his return with a notable 15 points and eight rebounds against Texas-Arlington on November 19, 2019. However, he faced an ankle injury during a game against Santa Clara in January 2020.

Concluding the regular season, Tillie earned First Team All-WCC recognition, boasting averages of 13.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in his senior year.

27. Elias Harris

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Elias Harris, a German professional basketball athlete, currently competes for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga (BBL) and the EuroLeague. He commenced his collegiate basketball journey at Gonzaga University for the 2009–10 season.

Harris swiftly engaged in gameplay for the Bulldogs, showcasing his skills as a freshman. In one of his early season games against the formidable #2-ranked Michigan State University, Harris stood out, leading his team with 17 points and securing nine rebounds in a close 75–71 defeat.

This performance highlighted his immediate impact despite his freshman status within the team.

28. Johnathan Williams

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Johnathan Lee Williams III, an American professional basketball athlete, currently competes for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after his college basketball tenure with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Before joining Gonzaga, Williams spent two seasons playing for the University of Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team in Missouri before opting to transfer for the 2015–16 season. In his senior year at Gonzaga, Williams emerged as the team leader in scoring, averaging 13.4 points per game, and in rebounding, securing 8.5 rebounds per game.

His remarkable performance earned him recognition as an All-West Coast Conference selection, along with receiving AP All-America honourable mention accolades.

29. Austin Daye

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Austin Darren Daye, an American professional basketball competitor from California, most recently associated with Victoria Libertas Pesaro in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He pursued college basketball at Gonzaga before entering the NBA draft, eventually being picked 15th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2009.

During his freshman year at Gonzaga, Daye secured WCC All-Freshman Team and All-WCC Honorable Mention recognitions, achieving an average of 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.6 steals across 33 games.

In his sophomore season, Daye maintained All-WCC Honorable Mention honours for the second consecutive year, alongside NABC Division I All-District 9 second-team accolades, attaining averages of 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 34 games. Opting to enter the NBA draft in April 2009, Daye forfeited his remaining two years of college eligibility.

30. David Stockton

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David James Stockton, an American professional basketball player with the NBA G League Ignite, previously played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs and is recognized as the son of esteemed Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton, a legend of the game.

Stockton commenced his college career in 2010–11 after redshirting the 2009–10 season. Initially playing off the bench, he appeared in 34 games, averaging 4.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 15.6 minutes. His sophomore year saw his first starting role in the season opener but predominantly came off the bench for the rest of the season, averaging 3.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

Progressing into his junior season, he played in all 35 games, recording a season-high 13 points and maintaining averages of 3.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals.

Stockton’s senior year culminated in a spot on the 2014 WCC All-Tournament Team, aiding Gonzaga in winning the tournament. He started in all 36 games, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals.

31. Zach Norvell

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Zachary Norvell Jr., a former American professional basketball player from Chicago, competed for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in college basketball. He faced leg surgery before his freshman year, leading to a redshirt season for recovery. Despite this, he showcased skills in an exhibition game, scoring 18 points.

Notable during his redshirt freshman year was his NCAA tournament performance, averaging 21.5 points in the initial two games, making a crucial game-tying three-pointer and earning his first double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds against Ohio State.

He averaged 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, securing the West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year. His sophomore season saw recognition with preseason awards and a career-high 28 points against Creighton, securing a spot in the 2018–19 All-West Coast Conference first team with teammates Hachimura, Clarke, and Perkins.

32. Mike Champion

Mike O. Champion, an American professional basketball athlete, stood at 6’10” and weighed 230 lbs, serving as a power forward for the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics in the 1988–89 season which was based in Seattle. He pursued his college basketball career at Gonzaga University from 1983 to 1987.

33. Filip Petrusev

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Filip Petrušev, a Serbian basketball pro, now competes for Olympiacos in the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague, previously playing for Gonzaga in college. In his freshman year, he averaged 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, landing a spot on the All-Freshman Team in the West Coast Conference (WCC).

Notable feats included scoring a career-high 25 points against Arkansas–Pine Bluff on November 9, 2019, and notching 24 points with nine rebounds against Eastern Washington on December 21.

Although he was listed on the midseason Wooden Award watchlist, Petrušev faced an ankle injury during a BYU game on January 18, 2020. He capped off the regular season as the WCC Player of the Year, averaging 17.5 points and eight rebounds per game. Despite initially entering the 2020 NBA draft, Petrušev later withdrew his candidacy.

34. Gary Lechman

Gary Lechman was an energetic and determined player at Gonzaga, known for his fierce defence and persistence in grabbing rebounds. He consistently offered the Bulldogs additional scoring chances through his relentless efforts on the boards and skilful defence, limiting opponents’ effectiveness.

Lechman’s gritty playing style and dedication to fundamental aspects of the game earned him admiration from fans during his time as a Bulldog. Acknowledging his on-court influence, he received the honour of being named First Team All-WCC in 1968.

35. Bill Quigg

Bill Quigg, a dominant presence in Gonzaga’s frontcourt in the late 1950s and early 1960s, possessed a remarkable combination of size and finesse near the rim. His remarkable skill in scoring close to the basket and grabbing rebounds was a consistent asset for the Bulldogs, offering stability in their offensive strategies.

Quigg’s physical attributes and robustness also made him a formidable defensive force, frequently disrupting opponent shots and dissuading attacks near the paint.

As an acknowledgement of his significant impact on the team, Quigg received the honour of being selected as First Team All-WCC in both 1960 and 1961. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets based in Houston in the 1971 NBA draft.

36. Jean Claude Lefebvre

Jean Claude Lefebvre, a French athlete, added an international dimension and unique skills to Gonzaga’s team during his time in college.

Functioning as a versatile forward, Lefebvre demonstrated remarkable footwork and adeptness in the post, displaying proficiency in scoring close to the basket and grabbing rebounds.

His agility and offensive versatility made him a formidable match for opposing big players. Lefebvre’s notable impact on the game earned him the esteemed accolade of being named to the First Team All-WCC in 1999. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted him in the 1960 NBA draft.

37. Admon Gilder

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Admon Amon Gilder Jr. is an American professional basketball athlete from Dallas, Texas currently playing for the NBA G League Ignite. He competed in college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies before transferring to Gonzaga University for his last eligible season.

At the start of the season, Gilder showcased consistent double-digit scoring in five consecutive games, but his performance waned, resulting in his replacement by Joël Ayayi in the starting lineup.

Despite grappling with knee problems, Gilder remained a contributor to the team, maintaining an average of 10.7 points per game during his time with the Bulldogs.

38. Jim Grady

Jim Grady solidified his Gonzaga legacy through his exceptional scoring skills and a refined jump shot. Noted for his expertise in scoring, especially from long distances, Grady’s swift release and precision established him as a reliable offensive force.

Alongside his scoring abilities, he demonstrated adaptability, enriching the team’s performance with his passing, defensive aptitude, and basketball acumen.

Grady’s impressive display at Gonzaga resulted in his acknowledgement with the esteemed accolade of earning a place on the First Team All-WCC in 1985. He was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans based in New Orleans.

39. Paul Rogers

Paul Andrew Rogers, an Australian ex-professional basketball athlete, gained prominence through his 12-season tenure in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).

Following his college basketball stint at Gonzaga in the United States, he was selected in the 1997 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers but didn’t participate in any NBA games. Rogers transferred to Gonzaga in 1994 and received recognition as a first-team All-West Coast Conference honoree during his junior year in 1995–96.

Additionally, he was considered a leading contender for the WCC Player of the Year in 1996–97 before suffering a foot injury early in that season.

40. Jim DeWeese

Jim DeWeese’s dependable nature and strong playmaking left a lasting impression on the Gonzaga team. His versatile style of play allowed him to score from various locations on the floor and maintain an attacking strategy that kept opponents off-balance.

DeWeese’s tenacious work ethic and outstanding defensive abilities were a huge asset to the Bulldogs’ team chemistry.

DeWeese received special recognition for his great Gonzaga performances in 1963 when he was named to the First Team All-WCC. He was drafted by the Atlanta-based Atlanta Hawks in the 1978 NBA draft.

41. Howard Burford

Howard Burford made a name for himself as a dynamic forward who could score goals while attending Gonzaga. His refined offensive abilities made it difficult for opponents to stop him from scoring from different spots on the court.

In addition to his ability to score, Burford’s unwavering rebounding efforts and his committed defensive approach further cemented his status as an important member of the Bulldogs. Burford was recognized in 1955 for his significant contribution with a First Team All-WCC award. He was drafted by the Portland-based Portland Trailblazers in 1971.

42. Mario Kasun

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Former Croatian basketball player Mario Kasun was a center-forward specialist. At the age of 14, he started playing basketball at a local club in Delnice. He later moved on to play professionally with BC Zrinjevac in Zagreb.

Notably, Kasun played for the Croatian under-21 team in 2000 and for the Croatian junior team in 1998–99.

After playing for the Zagreb club for two seasons and winning the Croatian Cup, Kasun moved to Gonzaga University in the NCAA in 2000. Unfortunately, Kasun was suspended by the Croatian Basketball Federation for two seasons as a result of this sudden transfer.

43. Josh Heytvelt

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American-born Joshua Rolin Heytvelt played professionally for YeÅŸilgiresun Belediye from Turkey and the Hitachi SunRockers of the Japanese National Basketball League before retiring.

Heytvelt, who stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters), joined the Gonzaga Bulldogs in 2004 following an outstanding high school career in Clarkston, Washington, where he won three crowns as the state’s Class 3A Player of the Year without losing. He decided to wear a redshirt in the 2004–05 campaign.

He began to show signs of being a standout by the 2006–07 campaign, finishing second in scoring (15.5 points per game) behind Derek Raivio, first in rebounding (7.7 per game), and first in shot blocking (1.7 per game).

His best game, which came against Santa Clara on February 26, 2009, saw him record 29 points and 9 rebounds. Nonetheless, in his rookie year as an active player, he had intermittent impacts in several games.

44. J.P. Batista

João Paulo Lopes “J. P.” Batista, a retired Brazilian professional basketball player and current coach, stood at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and played as a power forward.

He competed in college basketball for Gonzaga University and initiated his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Bulldogs. In his debut season at Gonzaga, he maintained an average of 12 points and 6 rebounds per game, earning recognition as the top newcomer in the West Coast Conference.

Teaming up with the All-American Adam Morrison, Batista wrapped up the 2005-06 NCAA basketball season, tallying over 19 points and 9 rebounds per game.

Remarkably, he achieved a shooting percentage of 59 per cent from the field and 83 per cent from the free-throw line.

45. David Pendergraft

During his tenure at Gonzaga University in Washington, David Pendergraft was a pivotal player known for his unwavering commitment and versatility. A forward with a solid basketball IQ, Pendergraft showcased consistency on both ends of the court.

His reliable scoring ability and defensive prowess contributed significantly to the team’s success. Pendergraft’s leadership and dedication made him a respected figure, and he played a key role in the Bulldogs’ achievements.

His impactful performance earned him recognition as a reliable and influential player throughout his time at Gonzaga University.

46. Steven Gray

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Steven Gray, an American ex-professional basketball athlete, most recently competed for Peristeri in the Greek Basket League after his collegiate stint at Gonzaga University. Across 125 appearances for Gonzaga, Gray maintained average statistics of 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

His senior year accolades included selection to the NABC All-District 9 First Team and earning All-West Coast Conference First Team recognition for the seasons 2009–10 and 2010–11.

Gray secured WCC Tournament victories with Gonzaga in both 2009 and 2011. Gray spent his professional career overseas, playing in countries such as Greece, France, Israel, Lebanon, Latvia, Croatia and Bosnia.

47. Mike Hart

Between 2009 and 2013, Hart competed for the Bulldogs, resulting in three WCC regular-season and tournament championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances.

Known for his high-energy style, he participated in 112 games, featuring in all 35 matches in his final season (2012-13). During this remarkable season, he showcased his best shooting statistics, achieving a career-high .595 field goal percentage and .591 (13-22) accuracy from three-point range.

Despite starting as a walk-on, he averaged 2.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in his senior year when Gonzaga secured its inaugural No. 1 national ranking and top NCAA Tournament seed (32-3). Acknowledging his defensive skills, Hart was honoured as the West Coast Conference Defender of the Year.

He completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2012 and pursued a Master of Business Administration at Gonzaga in 2013. Throughout his playing tenure, Hart was recognized three times as part of the WCC All-Academic Team.

48. Ryan Floyd

Ryan played for four years on the Zags’ basketball team where he played a pivotal role in their success, notably guiding the Bulldogs to the Elite 8 in 1999 and reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2000 where they lost to Purdue in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Colin eagerly followed in his brother’s footsteps, motivated by Ryan’s accomplishments and the impressive legacy he had built at Gonzaga.

49. Przemek Karnowski

, , via Wikimedia Commons

With a height of 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters), João Paulo Lopes “J. P.” Batista, a former professional basketball player from Brazil, is currently a coach.

He started his coaching career with the Bulldogs as an assistant coach after competing for Gonzaga University in collegiate basketball. With an average of 12 points and 6 rebounds per game in his freshman campaign at Gonzaga, he was named the conference’s best newcomer.

Batista finished the 2005–06 NCAA basketball season with a combined total of almost 19 points and 9 rebounds per game, partnering with All-American Adam Morrison. It is noteworthy because he shot 59 per cent from the field and 83 per cent from the free-throw line.

50. Silas Melson

Silas Melson is currently a professional basketball player for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Bundesliga and the Basketball Champions League (BCL) in Germany.

He competed in college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, earning the title of All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention in 2018. During his senior year at Gonzaga University, he concluded the season with an average of 9.2 points per game and a 40.8% field goal shooting rate.

On February 27, 2018, Melson was recognized as an All-WCC Honorable Mention player.

51. Brian Michaelson

Brian Michaelson, an American college basketball coach and ex-player, presently acts as an assistant coach at Gonzaga University. His association with Gonzaga men’s basketball commenced in 2000 as a walk-on, where he redshirted during his freshman year.

During his five-year spell at Gonzaga, Michaelson had few chances to play. Nonetheless, he earned a scholarship and was chosen as the team’s co-captain in the 2004–05 season, his senior year. He successfully graduated, obtaining a degree in business administration.

52. Mike Nilson

Mike Nilson is a registered sports dietitian, trained strength and conditioning specialist, and Gonzaga Women‘s Basketball leadership coach. Since 2004, he has served as the Director of Performance & Nutrition for the Gonzaga Athletic Department.

Mike was a basketball player for Gonzaga before joining the athletic department, where he was a member of the Elite 8 and Sweet 16 teams.

He was named WCC Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-Academic Team. His basketball career concluded with two seasons of professional play in Germany.

53. Jerry Vermillion

One of Gonzaga’s smartest and toughest rebounders, Vermillion showed his tenacity early in life by overcoming a serious back injury he received in a motorcycle accident.

Despite this injury delaying his high school basketball goals until his senior year, he led Fort Benton to the Montana State Tournament championship game. Arriving in 1951, he helped Coach Hank Anderson lead Gonzaga to 19 wins in the team’s first year of play.

The thin Vermillion had almost every individual scoring and rebounding record set before he graduated. With 1,547 points and an unmatched record of 1,670 rebounds, he was still among Gonzaga’s leading scorers nearly forty years later.

54. Doug Spradley

Douglas “Doug” Spradley, an American-German professional basketball coach and former player, presently serves as the head coach of ZZ Leiden.

He competed in college basketball at Gonzaga University from 1986 to 1989, securing West Coast Conference First Team distinctions in 1987-88 and 1988-89, and Honorable Mention in 1986-87.

Accumulating 1,427 points during his Gonzaga career, he earned membership in the university’s 40-Point Club by scoring 40 points against Loyola Marymount on February 18, 1989.

Upon graduating in 1989, Spradley signed with the Amsterdam Canadians, a professional basketball team in the Netherlands, where he played for three seasons before joining the Paderborn Baskets in Germany.

55. Rich Evans

Evans played for the Bulldogs between 1947 and 1950 and currently stands at the 13th position in Gonzaga’s all-time scoring list, tallying 1,507 points.

He held the top-scoring record until 1955 when Jerry Vermillion exceeded it with 1,547 points. Born as Richard Edmond “Rich” Evans in Kingman, Kansas, in 1928, Evans played a part in Gonzaga’s inaugural postseason appearance, propelling the team to the NAIA National Championship in 1948, resulting in a 1-1 record.

From relative anonymity, these Zags exploded onto the scene, taking the basketball world by storm.

Though initially dwarfed by blueblood procedence, their otherworldly abilities commanded respect from even the biggest powerhouses. With each drafted Zag, Gonzaga further etched its name into basketball lore.

Despite its tiny size, this Jesuit school in Spokane now casts a long shadow over the sport—a true hoops hotbed humming with the electricity of all-time greatness.