Basketball

Skylar Wicks Secures NCAA Waiver to Join Gonzaga Bulldogs for 2026‑27 Season

The Jersey City native adds depth to Gonzaga’s roster as the team nears full eligibility

Skylar Wicks, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, has been granted an NCAA waiver that awards him an additional year of eligibility to compete for the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2026‑27 season. The decision comes after a prolific stint with the Saint Francis Red Wolves, where he emerged as one of the team’s most reliable scoring threats.

A season of growth

During the 2025‑26 campaign, Wicks averaged 17.8 points per game while shooting 41.0 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he pulled down 6.7 rebounds, dished out 2.8 assists and recorded 1.4 steals per game, starting in 28 of the team’s 30 outings.

The waiver not only rewards his on‑court production but also underscores the NCAA’s willingness to recognize the unique circumstances surrounding his collegiate journey. Wicks’ career has taken him through several programs — Missouri State, State College of Florida, Incarnate Word and UTSA — before he found a home at Saint Francis, where his persistence finally earned him the extra season he sought.

Gonzaga’s roster taking shape

Gonzaga enters the next season with its roster nearly complete, having filled 14 of 15 scholarship spots. The only lingering question marks involve the NCAA eligibility of international prospects Nathan De Sousa, who remains tied to Cholet Basket, and Izan Almansa, currently under contract with Real Madrid. With those decisions pending, the addition of Wicks provides the Bulldogs with valuable perimeter depth and a proven scoring option.

The coaching staff views Wicks as a versatile piece that can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities off the dribble. His experience across multiple programs also brings a maturity that complements the younger talent on the squad, potentially accelerating the team’s chemistry as they aim for a strong postseason run.

Connections beyond the court

Arden Cravalho, a Gonzaga graduate from the Bay Area, is among those who have followed Wicks’ progress and expressed enthusiasm about his arrival. The convergence of local ties, international eligibility narratives and the Bulldogs’ strategic roster planning illustrates how a single waiver can ripple through multiple storylines as the new season approaches.

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