Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program has slipped ten places in Jon Rothstein’s latest national rankings, a shift that underscores the challenges awaiting the Bulldogs after the offseason exit of point guard Mario Saint‑Supery.
Saint‑Supery, who averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season, signed with Spanish club Valencia, leaving a void in the backcourt that the coaching staff must now fill.
Head coach Mark Few has announced that Nathan de Sousa will step into the starting lineup, bringing a fresh offensive option to the rotation.
If Izan Almansa and Skylar Wicks receive clearance, their addition could deepen the bench and provide additional scoring versatility.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The Bulldogs are slated to open the season with an exhibition matchup against Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena in October, a game that will test their early chemistry.
Later, they may meet Michigan again on day three of the Player’s Era Festival in Las Vegas, a potential rematch that could further shape their tournament résumé.
Beyond Arkansas and Michigan, Gonzaga’s schedule features high‑profile contests against Duke, Michigan State, Purdue, Creighton and a host of other top‑ranked programs.
The arrival of Pac‑12 newcomer San Diego State, now positioned at No. 45 in Rothstein’s poll, adds another layer of competition to the Bulldogs’ road ahead.