Gonzaga's Graham Ike 'truly grateful' to be back

Dan Dickau 'firmly thinks' Bulldogs can make a deep NCAA Tournament run

After missing all of last season with a leg injury, Graham Ike looked healthy and dominant in his debut for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The 6-foot-9 Wyoming transfer tallied 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the 96-58 exhibition victory over Lewis-Clark State. He was unstoppable down low, as he shot 11-for-13 from the field with most of his looks coming in the painted area. Any concerns over a foot injury that sidelined him last season were swiftly flushed away after he threw down a thunderous two-handed dunk for his first points as a Bulldog.

"Just to be under the lights again playing with such great guys, I'm truly grateful to be back on the floor and pain free," Ike said.

Gonzaga has had a history of effective low-post scorers, with Drew Timme being the most recent in a long line of standout big men. Ike's style of play doesn't match what fans were used to seeing from Timme, but through sheer power and brute force around the rim, he'll be a staple in the Bulldogs' offensive attack this season.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau breaks down why Ike will be Gonzaga's leading scorer this season and how the Bulldogs can make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament on a mailbag edition of the Gonzaga Nation podcast.

Produced by Christian Pedersen.

Photos: Gonzaga men's basketball opens 2023 season with exhibition win over Lewis-Clark State