Nathan De Sousa Signed With Gonzaga University
The French point guard will join the team for the 2026-27 basketball season following NCAA clearance.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball
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Nathan De Sousa has signed a financial aid agreement with Gonzaga University after receiving NCAA clearance to compete. The 23-year-old French native is expected to play one season for the Spokane program.
Why it matters
Gonzaga sought to bolster its roster at the point guard position following the departure of Mario Saint-Supery and the decision of Jack Kayil to remain in the NBA Draft. De Sousa arrives in Spokane as a veteran addition after playing for Cholet in the LNB Elite league.
De Sousa averaged 10.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over 36 games for Cholet last season. He recorded a 43.4% field goal percentage and shot 36.1% from three-point range during that period.
The players
Nathan De Sousa
He is a 23-year-old French basketball player who previously competed for Cholet in the LNB Elite league.
Gonzaga University
This Spokane-based institution maintains a prominent NCAA Division I men's basketball program.
Mario Saint-Supery
He is a basketball player who departed the Gonzaga program in July 2026 to join Valencia.
Jack Kayil
He is a basketball player who chose to remain in the NBA Draft rather than joining the Gonzaga roster.
The details
De Sousa spent four of the last five seasons playing for Cholet in the LNB Elite league. His eligibility for the upcoming campaign was confirmed after the NCAA completed a three-month review of his status.
Timeline
Mid-July 2026: Mario Saint-Supery departed the program for Valencia.
September 22, 2026: The NCAA cleared Nathan De Sousa to compete for the upcoming season.
September 24, 2026: Nathan De Sousa signed his financial aid agreement with Gonzaga.
November 2, 2026: Gonzaga is scheduled to open the season against Purdue.
The Big Picture
This move highlights the ongoing roster turnover within college basketball programs as they navigate international recruitment. The signing follows a three-month review period consistent with the NCAA transfer and eligibility review protocols.
De Sousa provides the roster with immediate veteran experience as a point guard for the 2026-27 season. His presence shifts the rotation dynamics for Gonzaga as they prepare to face Purdue on November 2.
The takeaway
The acquisition of De Sousa adds a seasoned international playmaker to the Gonzaga lineup. Fans should watch how his experience in the LNB Elite league translates to the pace of play in the upcoming season.
Further reading
Find more coverage on the team at the Basketball section.
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