Hunter Sallis leaves Gonzaga, commits to Wake Forest

Sallis is the first Bulldog to transfer this offseason

Former Gonzaga guard Hunter Sallis has committed to play at Wake Forest next season, according to a report from Joe Tipton on Wednesday.

Sallis, who entered the transfer portal after his sophomore season at Gonzaga, joins the Demon Deacons with two years of college eligibility remaining.

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Coming off the bench in 69 contests, Sallis averaged 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game over the past two seasons. His inability to consistently sink 3-pointers (25.8% in two seasons) made it difficult for him to get a bigger role in a crowded backcourt. 

His defense, however, kept him in head coach Mark Few's rotation, with the Zags relying on Sallis to limit the scoring production of opposing stars. His 6-foot-5 frame allowed him to guard multiple positions, a much-needed skillset on a defense that ranked 271st nationally in opponent points per game. 

Sallis' defense proved a difference-maker in a win over Kent State, which didn't get much from 2022 MAC Player of the Year Sincere Carry. Despite averaging 17.5 points per game last season, Carry scored just 10 on 4-for-15 shooting from the field while being defended by Sallis and Rasir Bolton for most of the night.

Before reaching the collegiate level, Sallis was the first 5-star high school prospect in Nebraska's history. The Omaha native committed to Gonzaga in March of 2021, joining a recruiting class that included fellow 5-star Chet Holmgren, 4-star Nolan Hickman and 4-star Kaden Perry. 

Sallis was the second Zag to enter the transfer portal this offseason, following guard Dominick Harris, who has yet to make a decision. With Bolton (exhausted college eligibility) ineligible to return, the other potential departures in Gonzaga's backcourt include Julian Strawther and Malachi Smith, both of whom declared for the NBA Draft.