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Under head coach Mark Few, Gonzaga has developed into a pipeline for NBA talent, with 13 former Bulldogs on NBA rosters last season. Despite this success, the program has not had a player drafted since Anton Watson was taken 54th overall in 2024, following Ryan Nembhard's solid rookie campaign and Graham Ike's expected contributions with the Golden State Warriors in 2026-27.
That gap could close in 2027, as draft analysts are high on Davis Fogle and Massamba Diop, both of whom are projected to leave Gonzaga early and hear their names called among the 60 picks in late June.
Fogle's Rising Stock
CBS Sports scout Adam Finkelstein's latest first-round projection slots Fogle at No. 18 to the Charlotte Hornets. Such a selection would make him the highest-drafted Zag since Chet Holmgren went No. 2 in 2022 and the first first-rounder from Gonzaga since Julian Strawther was taken No. 29 in 2023.
"Davis will have an opportunity to be one of college basketball's breakout players this year, and maybe even a jumbo initiator at Gonzaga," Finkelstein wrote. "If he can sustain his shooting and defense, he could play his way into the first round."
The 6'7 wing emerged as a revelation for Gonzaga last season, beginning the year as a productive scorer in limited minutes before earning a key perimeter role under Few. He averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just 16.7 minutes per game, shooting 56.3% on twos, 35% from three, and 72.3% from the free throw line.
With Jalen Warley, Tyon Grant-Foster, Adam Miller, Emmanuel Innocenti, and Steele Venters all departing, the path is clear for Fogle to assume a massive wing role. He offered a glimpse of his potential by scoring 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc, in 20 minutes at Kraziness in the Kennel, setting an event scoring record.
Gonzaga's offense will continue to flow through star forward Braden Huff, who averaged 17.8 points on elite efficiency last year before a knee injury ended his season in January. However, Fogle will have ample opportunities to showcase his offensive prowess, especially if he takes on more on-ball responsibilities.
The Zags boast three capable point guards in Florida transfer Xaivian Lee, Dayton transfer Javon Bennett, and 23-year-old Frenchman Nathan de Sousa. While all are currently eligible, the ongoing legal battle between the NCAA and the class of 2022 could alter the statuses of Lee and Bennett. If Gonzaga is forced to play without either, Fogle could serve as the de facto backup point guard, a role that could significantly boost his draft stock if he proves capable.
Challenges Against Top Competition
Gonzaga's February matchup with Duke will feature four projected NBA draft picks on Finkelstein's mock: Fogle, center Patrick Ngongba (No. 9), wing Dame Sarr (No. 13), and big man Cam Williams (No. 17).
The Bulldogs will also face Arkansas in an exhibition game in Fayetteville on Saturday, Oct. 24, featuring projected No. 2 pick Jordan Smith Jr., junior forward Billy Richmond III (No. 21), and freshman wing JJ Andrews (No. 27). That contest is set to tip at 1:00 PM PT and will be broadcast on SECN+.