Mark Few, the long‑time architect of Gonzaga’s basketball program, is already deep into planning for the 2026‑27 campaign as the Bulldogs welcome a wave of new talent. The arrival of Dayton point guard Javon Bennett and Florida State forward Chauncey Wiggins adds depth, but the coaching staff must decide how each will fit into a rotation that already boasts elite scorers.
Eligibility and roster dynamics dominate preseason conversations
With the team eyeing top point guards such as Donovan Dent and Xaivian Lee to fill the void left by Mario Saint‑Supery, the competition for the final roster spot intensifies, especially as Javon Bennett could find himself shifted to a reserve role. The race for minutes is further complicated by the need to integrate fresh wing players and big men.
Eligibility questions surround French guard Nathan de Sousa, whose professional stint in France has triggered a review under the NCAA’s five‑in‑five rule, while Spanish big man Izan Almansa faces a similar hurdle that could limit his impact. Both players are expected to know their status before the season opener.
On the wing, St. Francis transfer Skylar Wicks battles freshmen Luca Foster and Juwan Ekanga‑Ehawa for minutes, while interior players Parker Jefferson and Sam Funches vie for time. Guaranteed contributors like Massamba Diop, Braden Huff, Davis Fogle and Isiah Harwell provide a baseline of stability, but the final rotation will hinge on how the eligibility matters resolve.
The Bulldogs’ strategy will likely adapt as the NCAA clarifies the eligibility of de Sousa and Almansa, and as the performance of newcomers such as Bennett, Wiggins, Dent and Lee becomes evident. Coach Few’s ability to balance minutes across a loaded roster will be a defining factor as the team aims to remain a national contender.