Gonzaga transfer portal targets: Ranking the top small forwards available

The Zags’ departures have opened up a spot at small forward

Gonzaga men’s basketball head coach Mark Few and his assistants have proven that it only takes one offseason to rebuild a roster in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. 

After netting a trio of players, the Zags’ transfer haul is ranked fifth in the nation by 247Sports. It appears they aren’t finished adding talent, with the program’s name connected to several available players.

Julian Strawther’s NBA aspirations and several other potential departures have opened up a spot at small forward on Gonzaga’s depth chart.

Here are the best available players for the position:

DAVID JONES, JUNIOR (ST. JOHN’S)

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It didn’t take long for the Red Storm’s roster to clear out once Rick Pitino was hired to run the program. Jones joined several teammates who entered the transfer portal following the coaching change. 

The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during his lone season in Queens. He previously played two seasons at Depaul. 

Jones is ranked as the ninth-best small forward to enter the transfer portal this offseason by 247Sports. 

As an athletic finisher, he would fit perfectly in Gonzaga’s uptempo offense. St. John’s was the fastest-paced team in the country last season, with Jones being one of the team’s primary transition scorers. 

His 3-point shot is still developing, but so far in his career, he has hovered around 30% on four attempts per game. While those aren’t above-average numbers, Few’s staff has a reputation for turning mediocre shooters into elite snipers. 

Former Gonzaga guard Rasir Bolton is the most recent example, seeing an 11.1% boost from 3-point range since joining the program before his senior season. 

VEN-ALLEN LUBIN, FRESHMAN (NOTRE DAME)

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Another result of a coaching change, Lubin is expected to become the fifth Notre Dame player to transfer this offseason. 

He averaged 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game last season. The Fighting Irish finished 14th in the ACC and 11-21 overall.

Lubin, a 4-star recruit in high school, has flashed defensive upside as someone who can guard all five positions. With the Zags slated to lose some of their best defenders, Lubin could immediately step in and handle tough assignments. 

It’s unclear if Gonzaga has reached out to Lubin, who visited Miami last Friday.

KESHAD JOHNSON, SENIOR (SAN DIEGO STATE) 

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After helping the Aztecs reach the NCAA Tournament championship, Johnson is planning to transfer if he withdraws from the NBA Draft. 

A difference-maker on both ends of the floor, Johnson averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds for San Diego State last season. The Aztecs ranked fourth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency by KenPom.

Johnson narrowed his list of potential college destinations to Texas Tech, USC, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Arizona on Tuesday.

JAIDEN DELAIRE, SENIOR (SAN DIEGO)

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A familiar name to West Coast Conference basketball fans, Delaire is set to leave the Torerors following an injury-riddled season. 

Delaire only appeared in 12 games for San Diego after transferring from Stanford. Even in limited action, the North Granby, Connecticut native showcased his 3-point markmanship, sinking 47.1% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Delaire’s 6-foot-9 frame also allows him to finish over smaller defenders at the rim. His length is what Gonzaga needs to make up for its undersized backcourt. 

While intraconference transfers aren’t common, the Zags have already seen the other end of that situation with Dominick Harris joining LMU.