Gonzaga’s Sweet 16 Success: The Impact of Key Transfers

Gonzaga’s Ninth Straight Sweet 16 Appearance Fueled by Transfer Duo

Gonzaga’s impressive run to their ninth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance can be traced back to a pivotal moment last April when head coach Mark Few brought in transfers Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike on the same day. The dynamic duo quickly formed a formidable partnership, leading the Bulldogs to a top-five offense in the country with their exceptional pick-and-roll game.

Ike, in particular, emerged as a dominant force in the paint, averaging a team-high 16.5 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting an impressive 60.9% from the field. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the All-WCC first team and helped guide Gonzaga to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament once again.

Ike’s outstanding debut season at Gonzaga was recently recognized by CBS Sports, as he was named to the 2023-24 All-Transfer Team honorable mention list. The 6-foot-9 forward’s remarkable numbers in conference play, where he averaged 18.4 points on 64.0% shooting, solidified his place among the top transfer players in the nation.

While Ike received well-deserved accolades, Nembhard’s contributions to Gonzaga’s success should not be overlooked. The Creighton transfer set a program record with 243 assists this past season, showcasing his playmaking abilities and leadership on the court.

Looking ahead, Gonzaga has already made moves in the transfer portal once again, adding Michael Ajayi from Pepperdine to bolster their roster. With a talented core of transfers and returning players, the Zags are poised to continue their winning ways and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.