Khalif Battle’s Final College Season at Gonzaga
LAS VEGAS – In his sixth and final college season, Khalif Battle achieved numerous milestones that had previously eluded him at earlier schools.
Career Breakthroughs
At Gonzaga, Battle celebrated over 25 wins, secured a conference tournament title, and reached the NCAA Tournament, marking a stark contrast to the five consecutive years he spent missing out on postseason action at Butler, Temple, and Arkansas.
Shifting Narratives
During his brief yet impactful time at Gonzaga, Battle turned many stories about his career around, experiencing personal growth. However, there were still some disappointments.
Unrecognized Talent
Despite not making the WCC’s postseason teams and receiving minimal attention in mock drafts, Battle is determined to prove NBA teams wrong for not selecting him in the first or second rounds.
Future Aspirations
Battle believes he will eventually play in the NBA, recognizing that his journey may take longer than others. Following a short stint with the Phoenix Suns during Summer League, he signed his first professional contract with Aquila Basket Trento in Italy’s top league.
Adapting to NBA Competition
At Summer League, Battle gained valuable experience adapting to a faster game, focusing on defense rather than scoring. He emphasizes doing the “dirty work” to earn a place on an NBA roster by prioritizing effort on defense.
Gonzaga’s Future and Relationships
Battle maintains close ties with Gonzaga, communicating regularly with coach Mark Few and his teammates. He believes Gonzaga’s prospects for 2025-26 are promising, especially with Few’s early involvement in summer workouts.
