photo via Spokesman-Review’s Colin Mulvany
The not-so-well-kept secret is out. Three-time NBA All-Star forward/center Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings made a “transformative investment” to both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. While the exact amount isn’t disclosed, it is the largest ever made by a former player.
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Sabonis took part in a golf clinic put on by Bank of America for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Spokane the day before the official reveal on July 8, confirming that the Gonzaga Bulldogs legend was the mysterious donor.
The ceremony for the newly named Sabonis Family Strength & Conditioning Center next to the Steve Hertz Basketball Practice Facility inside the Volkar Center was quite heart-warming to watch with the Gonzaga coaching staff and what looked like 11 players with the upcoming team present.
He had a one-on-one moment with current redshirt senior forward Braden Huff, as the two suffered similar knee injuries this past season. Even the great Kevin Pangos, who was a senior point guard with a freshman Sabonis during the 2014-15 campaign, showed up in support.
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Sabonis spoke to the intimate crowd that included his wife, Shashana Rosen, and three children, Tiger, Eleven, and Tauras. Coach Mark Few said a few words about the Lithuanian’s impact on the city of Spokane, Washington, and the entire university as well.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the important role Gonzaga has played in my life and the opportunities the University has given me. My time here helped shape who I am, not only as a basketball player but as a person. My family and I are honored to make this gift because we believe in Gonzaga’s commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court each and every day. We hope that every student who walks into this facility is reminded that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams. Gonzaga will always be home to us, so we’re proud to help invest in the next generation of Bulldogs.” – Domantas Sabonis
“Domantas earned the respect of everyone in our program through his relentless work ethic, toughness, and unwavering commitment to his teammates. He truly embodies what it means to be a Zag. Those same qualities are evident in the way he and Shashana have chosen to give back to Gonzaga. This is a significant gift from a remarkable family, and we’re deeply grateful for their generosity. Their investment will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and help ensure future generations of Bulldogs have every opportunity to grow and succeed.” – Mark Few
This thoughtful gift will impact numerous current and future basketball players, helping them achieve their dreams of making the NBA and WNBA. Sabonis’ name will forever be a part of Zags basketball.
Side note: Sophomore lead guard Mario Saint-Supery and forward/center Izan Almansa were both in attendance for the celebration after playing with their home country of Spain for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in the country of Georgia. What that means for Almansa’s looming college basketball eligibility battle with the NCAA, who knows quite yet.
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Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
