Gonzaga Targets Elite Shooting Guard from Big West via Transfer Portal

Gavin Sykes, the Big West Rookie of the Year, has heard from Gonzaga and several other high-major programs after entering the transfer portal.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the action on the court.Gonzaga's pursuit of a dynamic scoring threat like Gavin Sykes could reshape their offensive identity in the new-look Pac-12.San Diego Today

Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few is looking to bolster his team's perimeter shooting after the Zags shot just 33.3% from 3-point range last season, ranking 212th in the country. One of Few's top targets is Gavin Sykes, a 6'4 shooting guard who was named the Big West Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.4 points per game and shooting 38.7% from 3-point range for Long Beach State as a freshman. Sykes has entered the transfer portal and has been in contact with Gonzaga as well as several other high-major programs, including Indiana, NC State, Washington, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech.

Why it matters

Gonzaga is looking to replace significant production from last year's roster, with five departing seniors and five more players entering the transfer portal. The Zags need to find reliable outside shooting to complement their returning frontcourt pieces, and Sykes could be an ideal fit with his proven ability to space the floor and score at all three levels.

The details

Sykes burst onto the scene as a freshman at Long Beach State, quickly establishing himself as one of the best scorers and shooters in the Big West. He averaged 19.4 points per game while shooting 53.8% on 2-pointers and 38.7% from 3-point range, taking six 3-point attempts per contest. Sykes scored 20+ points in 15 of his 28 games and had a torrid stretch to end the season, scoring 28, 39, and 34 points in his final three games while shooting 14-25 (56%) from 3-point range.

  • Sykes entered the transfer portal after earning Big West Rookie of the Year honors this past season.
  • Sykes has been conducting Zoom calls with interested programs before setting up any official visits.

The players

Gavin Sykes

A 6'4 shooting guard who was named the Big West Rookie of the Year after a standout freshman season at Long Beach State, where he averaged 19.4 points per game and shot 38.7% from 3-point range.

Mark Few

The Hall of Fame head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who is looking to bolster his team's perimeter shooting after the Zags shot just 33.3% from 3-point range last season.

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What they’re saying

“Sykes has been in contact with Gonzaga as well as a litany of high-major programs, including Indiana, NC State, Washington, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech.”

— Tobias Bass, Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

Sykes will continue conducting Zoom calls with interested programs before setting up any official visits to evaluate his transfer options.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's need for perimeter shooting makes Gavin Sykes an ideal transfer target, as the Big West Rookie of the Year has proven himself as an elite 3-point shooter and scorer at the college level. His fit alongside Gonzaga's returning frontcourt pieces could make him a key piece in the Zags' quest to bounce back from a down shooting year.