Basketball

Gonzaga Bulldogs Add Xaivian Lee as they Gear Up for 2026‑27 Campaign

The new point guard bolsters a top‑ten squad while eligibility questions linger for several key players

Mark Few, the longtime architect of Gonzaga's basketball program, announced the final piece of a roster that has been built to compete among the nation's top ten for the 2026‑27 season. The Bulldogs secured former Princeton guard Xaivian Lee to replace Mario Saint‑Supery, who departed for Valencia in Spain, giving the team a seasoned point guard with elite facilitation skills.

A Revamped Starting Five

Lee will slide into the starting lineup as the primary point guard, instantly upgrading the team's offensive playmaking and defensive pressure. Alongside him, seven‑footer Massamba Diop anchors the frontcourt with his rim‑protection prowess, while Braden Huff is expected to assume the role of the primary offensive hub, leveraging his versatility to create scoring opportunities. Chauncey Wiggins, a 6‑10 forward from Florida State, will battle Isiah Harwell for perimeter minutes, adding depth and athleticism to the wing.

Davis Fogle, who previously operated as a secondary scorer, will now shift to an off‑ball slasher and bucket‑getter, allowing Lee to dictate the tempo. The core group also features Skylar Wicks, who has been granted a seventh year of eligibility, and Nathan de Sousa, whose eligibility status remains under review but could provide additional backcourt stability if cleared.

Eligibility concerns continue to loom over several scholarship holders. Javon Bennett remains ineligible due to NCAA stay requests in Ohio and Colorado, while Izan Almansa, a committed frontcourt prospect, awaits clearance that could influence the team's depth chart. Luca Foster, the top recruit of the 2026 class, and Parker Jefferson, a late‑decommit from Minnesota, may see increased roles depending on how those eligibility issues resolve.

Beyond the starters, the Bulldogs have added a mix of experienced and high‑upside talent. Juwan Ekanga‑Ehawa, an 18‑year‑old from France, brings raw potential that could translate into Year‑1 contributions, while Sam Funches, a 7‑0 high school prospect, offers size and athleticism that could develop into a defensive anchor. Walk‑ons Carter Nilson and Alonzo Metz are slated for limited minutes, primarily in garbage‑time situations.

With the roster now officially full and ranked among the nation's elite, Few's squad enters the Pac‑12 season poised to contend for a national title. The blend of veteran leadership, new point‑guard dynamics, and a deep bench positions Gonzaga as a formidable force, even as the program navigates the lingering eligibility uncertainties that could shape its final lineup.

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