Gonzaga Basketball’s Positive Offseason Vibes
During the college basketball offseason, fans often rely on players’ and coaches’ insights for updates, as they lack access to practice footage and workout sessions. This year, Gonzaga players have shared overwhelmingly positive sentiments about their team.
Key terms frequently mentioned by the Gonzaga squad to describe their early summer practices include energy, effort, chemistry, balance, and swagger. Sixth-year senior forward Graham Ike expressed the team’s enthusiasm, stating, “We’re just having fun, man… it’s just for the love of the game.”
With offseason practices kicking off in Spokane last month, the core traits necessary for success appear to be in place for the 2025-26 Zags. A large portion of the team that reported for summer workouts on June 2 will likely remain when they reconvene in August.
Despite some late arrivals due to prior commitments, such as combo guard Mario Saint-Supery, the rest of the Zags are already forming effective chemistry both on and off the court. Senior wing Steele Venters highlighted the team’s energy during early morning practices, noting that everyone is eager to support one another.
The team’s strengths seem to hinge on returning forwards Graham Ike and Braden Huff, both key scorers from last season. Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s guard lineup will see significant changes, integrating new players like Smith, Fogle, Saint-Supery, and Arizona State transfer Adam Miller, known for his shooting accuracy and playmaking abilities.
Defensively, Gonzaga aims to improve after a disappointing showing last season. While they ranked poorly in scoring defense, players like sophomore Ismaila Diagne and transfer Grant-Foster are expected to enhance rim protection. The team believes that their defensive capabilities will markedly improve this season.
Though preseason rankings suggest Gonzaga will be a top-20 team, they may not fully account for the strong bond forming among players through rigorous training and team activities. Freshman center Parker Jefferson believes this camaraderie will make a significant difference on the court, stating, “We’re going to play hard. That’s what everybody does.”
