Gonzaga rival Saint Mary's loses key player to transfer portal

Joshua Jefferson entered the portal on Wednesday night

St. Mary's Gaels forward Joshua Jefferson (5) is entering the transfer portal. / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

As if losing to a 12-seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament wasn't bad enough, the news got worse for Saint Mary's on Wednesday night.

The Gaels, Gonzaga's West Coast Conference men's basketball rival, lost one of their best players when sophomore forward Joshua Jefferson announced on social media that he was entering the transfer portal.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Las Vegas, averaged 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds before suffering a knee injury in early February and missing the final seven games of the season. In the Gaels' 64-62 victory over Gonzaga on February 3, Jefferson had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

"Thank you SMC fans for everything you guys were nothing short of amazing," Jefferson wrote on X. "This chapter in my life will always stick with me and truly be memorable love you all!"

Jefferson was a key returning piece for Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett. Jefferson's absence was glaring in the Gaels' 75-68 loss to Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Antelopes were significantly more athletic than the Gaels and could comfortably switch almost every screen. They finished with 9 blocked shots to just 1 for Saint Mary's.

It's unclear who Jefferson is targeting at this point, but it's a safe bet he will take a long look at his hometown team UNLV.

Thank you SMC fans for everything you guys were nothing short of amazing. This chapter in my life will always stick with me and truly be memorable love you all! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/RhiWWtEgZT

— Joshua Jefferson (@Joshua_LV0) March 27, 2024