Tyon Grant-Foster, one of Gonzaga's standout seniors, took a different approach on Senior Night. While his fellow seniors received their well-deserved ovations, Grant-Foster chose to stay on the bench, having already experienced the tradition twice during his time at Grand Canyon.
“I talked to ‘B’ (sports information director Barrett Henderson) and the coaches,” he explained. “I’ve set a lot of records in college basketball, and I think doing Senior Night three times would have been another. I wanted someone else to have that moment.”
Grant-Foster’s journey has been anything but typical. Starting at a junior college in 2018-19, he moved to Kansas, only to face life-threatening heart issues that limited his play at DePaul.
He bounced back at Grand Canyon, averaging nearly 18 points per game over two seasons, before transferring to Gonzaga. Initially denied eligibility by the NCAA, a Spokane judge ruled in his favor just before the season began.
In Gonzaga's dominant 89-48 victory over Portland, the seniors shone brightly, combining for 42 points. Grant-Foster contributed 12 points and four rebounds, continuing to show his value on the court.
“One word I’d say about the seniors: Relentless,” Grant-Foster shared. “We come out every day and go at each other.
Another word I’d use: Brothers. Those guys were crucial to my acceptance here.”
Standing at 6-foot-7, Grant-Foster has faced ups and downs but remains a key player, averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. He leads the team in blocks with 32. While adjusting to a new role, he’s found ways to make an impact beyond scoring.
“I’m used to scoring more, but I’m finding ways to impact the game through rebounding and steals,” he noted. “I’m working on my shooting every day. Hopefully, it comes sooner rather than later.”
Despite the stats, Grant-Foster feels he’s grown as a player. “Gonzaga culture is unbeatable,” he said.
“If you don’t get better here, you’re missing the whole point. You come here to be with other great players.”
His athleticism was on full display with three dunks against Portland, including a buzzer-beater at halftime. “Super athletic,” senior guard Adam Miller said.
“He surprises me sometimes. He rebounds, can score at three levels, and guard multiple positions.”
Grant-Foster’s family and friends are set to cheer him on at the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas. But first, Gonzaga faces a crucial matchup against rival Saint Mary’s.
“Everyone knows how huge that rivalry is,” Grant-Foster said. “It’s not just about winning it outright.
It’s about sweeping them. This is our last year in the WCC, and we want everyone to know this is our conference.”