Gonzaga's got some Dogs

I have no clue where or if Bronny James will be drafted. But how he handles himself in front of the media — even lottery picks don’t get this kind of attention — with thoughtfulness and candor is impressive. His parents must already be incredibly proud of their teenager.

Let's get to Wednesday’s news.

1. Gonzaga keeps loading up on talent

It’s official: Mark Few is not going to endure another thin roster like this season.

Two weeks after adding Arkansas guard Khalif Battle — he’ll likely be instant offense off the bench next season — Gonzaga added yet another capable player on the wing on Wednesday in Emmanuel Innocenti.

Much like Battle, it seems unlikely that the 6-5 freshman will crack a lineup that already features returning starters Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Ben Gregg and Graham Ike, plus Pepperdine transfer Michael Ajayi. But Innocenti has size, can defend and would be a likely candidate to step into a more sizable role in 2025-26.

There is a world where Innocenti plays a larger role next season, though. Ajayi is going through the NBA Draft process. He’s got the size (6-7) and shooting (47% from deep) that NBA teams crave.

The Zags do have Dusty Stromer and Steele Venters (who didn’t play this season due to a knee injury) waiting in the wings if Ajayi does stay in the draft. Innocenti would be another insurance policy on that front.

There’s a lot to like about the Zags who are coming off a 27-8 season in which it didn’t win the WCC, but did make the Sweet 16 for the millionth (ninth) straight season.

Get ready for a year when they’re parked in the Top 10 all season.

2. TCU’s latest transfer might be its leading scorer

Jamie Dixon’s offense no longer employs a slow-it-down, crash-the-boards approach. The last two seasons have seen the Horned Frogs embrace a roster filled with players who can fill lanes on the fast break. As a result, they were the Big 12’s fastest team this season (64 possessions a game, and 68 in conference play), down slightly from 2022-23 (48 possessions).

We may see that more than ever next season.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.