Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs contacted Jordan Ross within 24 hours of the Saint Mary’s guard entering the transfer portal, joining a list of 10 other schools to do so, according to Sam Kayser of 247 High School Hoops.
Joining the Zags on the list is Washington, Mississippi State, Clemson, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, St. John’s, UNLV, Seton Hall, and fellow WCC member Washington State.
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Ross jumped into the portal on Monday, a surprise move that now leaves Randy Bennett’s team with just one starter from last year in forward Paulius Murauskas. Mitchell Saxen, Augustus Marciulionis, and Luke Barrett are all out of eligibility.
Ross was in line for an even bigger role after a strong sophomore season with the Gaels where he averaged 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game.
The 6’3 guard from Pleasant Grove, Utah wasn’t a particularly effective scorer for Saint Mary’s, however, shooting just 29.3% from beyond the arc and 68.7% from the free throw line. His effective field goal percentage of 42.4% was dead last among SMC regulars last year, and would have been last at Gonzaga as well.
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However, the athletic guard oozes potential as shown in his 19 point, seven rebound, four assist performance against Arizona State in the non-conference, and more recently his 15 point, three rebound, three assist, three block, 6-11 shooting game in the NCAA Tournament when the Gaels took down Vanderbilt.
With the return of Graham Ike and Braden Huff confirmed, Gonzaga’s biggest need for next season is a shooting guard to start alongside Braeden Smith and Jalen Warley. Ross may not have the outside shooting ideal for the role, but his upside is very high – and a dramatic change of playstyle could unlock some scoring elements to his game previously unseen.
Related: Brother of Gonzaga Legend Commits to Northern Arizona via Transfer Portal
