Gonzaga Published 2026-27 Basketball Roster
The team enters the season with 11 newcomers amid ongoing NCAA eligibility concerns for four players.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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Gonzaga University released its official roster for the 2026-27 basketball season, featuring 11 new additions and four returning players. However, the status of several rostered athletes remains uncertain as they navigate ongoing NCAA eligibility reviews.
Why it matters
Increased NCAA scrutiny regarding international professional experience and transfer rules has left four players in eligibility limbo, potentially impacting team rotations. The school must manage these legal and regulatory hurdles while preparing for the upcoming season schedule.
The roster includes 11 newcomers and four returners, with 11 players currently fully cleared to compete. Izan Almansa joins the team after recording 10.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game with G-League Ignite in 2023-24.
The players
Mark Few
He serves as the head coach for the Gonzaga University men's basketball team and has led the program for over two decades.
Izan Almansa
He is a professional basketball player who previously played for G-League Ignite and the Perth Wildcats before joining the Gonzaga roster.
Xaivian Lee
He is a collegiate basketball player whose participation for the upcoming season was cleared following a California court order.
The details
While Gonzaga has cleared 11 players, Izan Almansa, Xaivian Lee, Chauncey Wiggins, and Javon Bennett face unresolved eligibility concerns. Xaivian Lee has gained eligibility through a temporary restraining order in California, while cases for Bennett and Wiggins have been stayed by courts.
Timeline
Izan Almansa played for G-League Ignite during the 2023-24 season.
Nathan de Sousa was declared eligible by Mark Few on September 24, 2026.
Gonzaga published the updated 2026-27 roster on September 28, 2026.
Kraziness in the Kennel is scheduled for October 3, 2026.
The Big Picture
This roster release reflects the broader, ongoing friction between NCAA international professional eligibility bylaws and the increasingly complex legal landscape of college athletics. The current situation mirrors the growing trend of athletes turning to the courts to challenge collegiate regulatory hurdles.
The potential absence of Almansa, Bennett, and Wiggins leaves their participation in the Kraziness in the Kennel exhibition event in doubt. Fans should monitor roster updates as the team prepares for its upcoming exhibition game against Arkansas.
The takeaway
The eligibility status of key roster additions highlights the volatility of modern college basketball recruitment. Gonzaga must now navigate a complex legal landscape to solidify its lineup before the season begins.
What happens next
Kraziness in the Kennel, the team's annual preseason event, is scheduled to take place on October 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's preparation, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
Live Poll
Do you believe current NCAA eligibility rules fairly balance player rights with institutional sports standards?
