With Graham Ike and Braden Huff sidelined due to injuries, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have had to lean on some unexpected contributors to keep their momentum going. And over the last three games, it’s been senior wing Jalen Warley and freshman Davis Fogle who’ve risen to the occasion-not just filling the gaps, but actively shaping the Zags’ identity during this stretch.
Let’s start with Warley. The Florida State transfer has been nothing short of essential for Gonzaga, showcasing a unique blend of size, versatility, and basketball IQ.
In the Jan. 24 matchup against San Francisco, Warley poured in a game-high 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting. But it wasn’t just the scoring-he took turns guarding the Dons’ bigs and even ran the point at times.
And here’s the kicker: he’s doing all this without being a threat from deep. Defenders are sagging off him beyond 10 feet, but he’s still finding ways to carve up defenses with his mid-range game, slashing ability, and smart decision-making.
At 6-foot-7, Warley has become Gonzaga’s Swiss army knife, a player who can plug into multiple roles and thrive. Head coach Mark Few has had his share of do-it-all guys over the years-Anton Watson comes to mind-but Warley’s adaptability and leadership have made him the unsung MVP during this injury-riddled stretch. His teammates see it too.
“The way he’s able to affect the game on the offensive end by the way people play him, it’s crazy,” said graduate wing Tyon Grant-Foster. “I don’t think Jalen has shot one three all year, but it’s like you still can’t stop him regardless.
It’s the way that he’s able to adapt and really conform his game to help us. He does so much stuff.”
Freshman Davis Fogle echoed that sentiment. “He changes the game every time he’s in there.
In the locker room, he’s leading us. He’s been kind of a vet for me, helping me out throughout the year.
He just does it all.”
And Fogle himself? He’s been stepping up in a big way, especially for a true freshman.
The 6-7 wing has shown he’s not just along for the ride-he’s helping drive the bus. Whether it’s knocking down timely shots or battling bigger bodies on defense, Fogle’s proving he belongs.
In that tight 68-66 win over San Francisco, Fogle logged a season-high 32 minutes and responded with 15 points, a career-best nine rebounds, and a pair of steals. Over his last three games, he’s tallied 45 points, showing a scoring touch and poise beyond his years.
With Ike and Huff out, Gonzaga’s offense has slipped to No. 19 in KenPom’s efficiency rankings, but that drop doesn’t tell the whole story. Few has been mixing and matching lineups, often going small, and still finding ways to compete. Some of these rotations hadn’t seen the floor together all season, yet the Zags have remained connected, resilient, and surprisingly deep.
The good news? Help is on the way.
Ike has returned to practice after dealing with right ankle soreness and is expected to be available for Saturday’s marquee matchup against Saint Mary’s. That’s a big boost for Gonzaga, especially given the size the Gaels bring to the table with 7-3 redshirt sophomore Andrew McKeever and 7-1 senior Harry Wessels.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, and as always, it’s one of the toughest tickets to snag in Spokane. With Ike potentially back in the fold and Warley and Fogle playing inspired basketball, the Zags are gearing up for a rivalry showdown that could say a lot about where this team is headed down the stretch.