Gonzaga University is approaching the start of its new Pac‑12 campaign with 12 of the anticipated 15 scholarship spots already accounted for, leaving just a single vacancy to fill before the season opener.
The coaching staff has turned its attention to three guard prospects — Xaivian Lee, a former Princeton standout; Donovan Dent, a UCLA playmaker; and BJ Edwards, an SMU three‑point specialist — each of whom brings a different set of skills and a separate set of eligibility considerations.
Eligibility hurdles for Lee and Dent
Lee’s path to eligibility has been complicated by his participation in the NBA Summer League and the possibility of signing an Exhibit 10 contract, both of which have left the NCAA reviewing his status.
Dent, meanwhile, is entangled in a California lawsuit that could unlock his eligibility for the 2026‑27 season, but the legal process remains unresolved and adds uncertainty to his timeline.
Edwards, by contrast, has already secured immediate eligibility through a Tennessee court ruling, making him the most straightforward addition and a player whose shooting accuracy and playmaking ratios align closely with Gonzaga’s offensive system.
The Bulldogs have also bolstered their backcourt with recent transfers Javon Bennett and Chauncey Wiggins, whose experience and shooting depth are expected to complement the new guard and ease the pressure on the final roster spot.
Coach Mark Few has indicated that the ideal candidate will not only enhance the team’s defense but also provide a reliable outside threat, a combination that could position Gonzaga as a contender for a national championship.