A Promising Arrival
Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa, an 18‑year‑old guard from France, signed with Gonzaga in June and is slated to arrive on campus in the coming weeks. His move follows a standout performance with the French U20 national team at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia, where he helped the side finish fourth with a 5‑2 record.
During the tournament he logged 3.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 45 % on two‑point attempts and 75 % from the free‑throw line. While he went 0‑10 from three‑point range, his defensive impact was evident, leading France with 11 steals, including five against Italy and two each versus Turkey and Slovenia.
Coach Mark Few will have the youngster develop behind a deep wing corps that includes Davis Fogle, Isiah Harwell, Luca Foster and Skylar Wicks. Ekanga‑Ehawa is expected to earn minutes in blowout scenarios before carving out a larger role as he adapts to the Pac‑12 style of play.
The French prospect spent last season in the JL Bourg system, where he posted 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game for the U21 roster and also saw minutes with the senior Betclic Elite team and Chorale Roanne in the second division. His recognition as Most Improved Player in the Espoirs ELITE league underscores his upward trajectory.
Beyond the numbers, his experience in Slovenia will serve as a bridge to college basketball, helping him adjust to new rules and the faster pace of the American game. With Spokane as his new home, Ekanga‑Ehawa is poised to grow into a versatile contributor for the Bulldogs in the 2026‑27 season.