Gonzaga’s Rankings Slip After Guard Mario Saint-Supery Exits for Valencia
Gonzaga’s college basketball program has slipped ten positions in Jon Rothstein’s most recent Top 45 rankings, a shift that reflects the ripple effects of losing a key playmaker. Point guard Mario Saint‑Supery, who averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season, announced his move to Valencia, leaving a void in the Bulldogs’ backcourt and prompting a reassessment of the team’s dynamics. The new projected starting five now features Nathan de Sousa alongside Massamba Diop, Braden Huff, Davis Fogle and Isiah Harwell, while bench contributors Parker Jefferson, Luca Foster, Sam Funches and Juwan Ekanga‑Ehawa stand ready to step up. Eligibility questions surround Izan Almansa and Skylar Wicks, both of whom are navigating NCAA clearance processes; their potential availability could add depth if cleared in time. Gonzaga’s schedule promises a gauntlet of ranked foes, including Arkansas, Michigan, Duke, Michigan State, Purdue, Creighton and St. John’s, while the rest of Rothstein’s top ten — Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, Houston and Kentucky — have all moved ahead of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs will also meet San Diego State, currently positioned at No. 45, and will need to lean on their revised roster to stay competitive across the season.
