Is Gonzaga’s window closing?

[u/JPtheAC]

Let me preface by saying that I am a Gonzaga Alum and avid fan of the program. I’m positive most of Gonzaga’s fan base will blast me for even asking this question but I wanted to present this question here with a more national college fan base. Is Gonzaga’s window closing in the modern NIL era?

Historically, the program was built with underdog under recruited players who developed. Then they were early to the Euro recruiting pipeline and were also early adopters of the transfer portal. Doing this they were able to develop players in their system and add in talent where needed. Then they started getting the 5 star one and done type prospects and that’s when they were finally able to make 2 Final 4s.

Now in the new NIL era they have missed out on the high end recruits and seemingly some of the transfers as well. They are losing more of their own recruits to the portal and every year feels like a hodge podge roster now. The rest of college basketball has caught up to their recruiting strategy and I don’t see how a small Jesuit University can compete with a large State school NIL collective.

Personally I point to losing Tommy Lloyd as part of the reason why Gonzaga is losing recruits, but I also think there is a NIL money issue as well. I don’t think they can pay what others can. I’m not sure moving to the Pac12 helps in that regard. So.. is their window closing ?

[u/JPtheAC]

Last year’s team was stitched together after losing several recruits, either by transfer or just not able to sign their initial targets. I didn’t think they were a Sweet 16 team all year. They couldn’t win a big game and fumbled against inferior opponents. They still had some legacy recruits on that team but they graduate. Next year the team has very few recruits coming in and more leaving. Historically each class and team was pretty well decided going into the offseason. Granted this is true for most programs in the modern day but I don’t think Gonzaga can pay to play on the level of other programs anymore and if you look at their recruiting class going back a season or two and looking forward I’m seeing warning signs.

[u/akersmacker → u/JPtheAC]

Who did Gonzaga lose? Everybody came back except for Anton Watson, who is in the NBA. Plus, they only got 2 players ever who were one and done, Suggs and Holmgren. That's it.

Actually, Zags have never lost a starter. Sallis was the highest rated player, very solid, but not for money. He left for other reasons, namely Tommy leaving and needing to be THE MAN, which didn't fly at GU, especially because they play inside out.

Ajayi and Stromer are leaving this year. We don't know how good Ajayi could have been on a really good team where he isn't the focus of the offense (he excelled on one of the worst teams in the country the year prior), and Stromer just never quite panned out, averaging only 4 minutes in the last few games.

BUT, it remains to be seen if they will continue at this level. There is no history in the modern era of any single small team doing what the Zags have as consistently for so long. At some point, they have to have an off year, right?

Also, there is money in the stands. They should be able to do fairly well in that regard. And they develop players as well as any team. I wouldn't blast you for suggesting this, but I just don't see it yet.

[u/3ightningz → u/akersmacker]

Plus, they only got 2 players ever who were one and done, Suggs and Holmgren. That's it.

Zach Collins?

[u/akersmacker → u/3ightningz]

Ha! 3. My bad.

But "then they started getting the 5 star one and done type prospects" still might be a bit misleading.