By ADAM ZAGORIA
It’s been a huge day for Gonzaga coach Mark Few already.
The school has added both Wyoming transfer Graham Ike and Creighton transfer Ryan Nembhard, the younger brother of former Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard, now with the Indiana Pacers. The additions bolster the Bulldogs, who are expected to lose Drew Timme to the pros.
The 6-foot-9 Ike averaged 19.5 points and 9.6 rebounds as a junior during the 2021-22 season, but sat out this past season due to an injury to his lower right leg.
He was the Mountain West Conference Preseason Player of the Year coming into 2022-23. The Aurora, Colo., native has three years of eligibility remaining.. He also considered Providence and Xavier, among others.
“Graham is exactly the big guy we’ve been looking for and in need of for next season,” Few said. “After having him up for a visit and meeting he and his Mom, he’s just going to be the perfect fit for our program. He is a young man of high character, who is really focused and a hard worker. He has shown himself to be a highly effective player over the years.”
The 6-foot Nembhard averaged 12.1 points, 4.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds as a sophomore. He is considered one of the top point guards in college basketball.
WOW — Ryan Nembhard announces he’s transferring to Gonzaga. What a Friday morning for Mark Few and the Zags. Nembhard is one of the best point guards in the country. pic.twitter.com/G9EphVc0Uz
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 21, 2023
“It wasn’t any one thing,” Nembhard told ESPN of his decision after also considering Arizona, Alabama and UCF. “My teammates are great people and we clearly were well-coached. We reached a level no other Creighton team achieved. I’m very happy for that and grateful for how the season evolved. That’s really all I want to say about that.”
He added: “The head coaches at Arizona and Gonzaga are like family to the Nembhards. They both did so much for my brother, and because of our tight relationship, I feel as strongly about them as he does. I knew before my visits to Spokane and Tucson there was no wrong answer. Both places are amazing, full of great coaches and players.”
“I also considered UCF and Alabama for various reasons as well and I could see myself ending up at one of those schools too. Once I got home after my visits, I just thought about it and I decided to go this route. It’s not complicated.”
Gonzaga also added 6-7 Eastern Washington transfer Steele Venters.
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