Gonzaga Bulldogs Rely on Jalen Warley in NCAA Tournament Without Braden Huff

Warley's versatility on both ends will be crucial as the Zags navigate the first weekend without their star forward Huff.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:03pm

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The Gonzaga Bulldogs earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will play in Portland against No. 14 Kennesaw State on Thursday evening. However, the team will be without star forward Braden Huff, who remains out with a left knee injury suffered back in January. This puts a lot of pressure on senior guard Jalen Warley, who has stepped into a starting role and will need to make a big impact on both ends of the floor to help the Zags advance without Huff.

Why it matters

Huff was one of Gonzaga's most productive and efficient offensive players prior to his injury, and his absence will present a challenge against a physical Kennesaw State team that excels on the offensive glass and gets to the free throw line. Warley's versatility on defense and playmaking ability on offense will be crucial in helping the Zags navigate the first weekend of the tournament without their star forward.

The details

Huff started 18 games for the Zags, averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting a ridiculous 69.7% on two pointers and 33.3% from three. Kennesaw State averages nearly 14 offensive rebounds per game - eighth in the country - and they are adept at getting to the free throw line, averaging 27 attempts per game - which ranks second in the country. Warley is Gonzaga's most versatile defensive player, proving capable of guarding 1-5, although his impact on the glass has been limited since his injury. The senior is also going to make a big impact offensively, particularly as a big playmaking wing who can get Gonzaga out in transition and facilitate for Graham Ike.

  • Gonzaga will tip off against Kennesaw State on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 PM at the Moda Center in Portland, OR.
  • Huff suffered his left knee injury back in January.

The players

Braden Huff

A star forward for the Gonzaga Bulldogs who remains out with a left knee injury suffered in January.

Jalen Warley

A senior guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs who has stepped into a starting role and will need to make a big impact on both ends of the floor with Huff out.

Graham Ike

A senior forward for the Gonzaga Bulldogs who has carried the team over the last two months in Huff's absence, winning the WCC Player of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“B-Huff's jogging and shooting. He's not gonna be able to play this weekend or anything, but he is jogging and shooting.”

— Mark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga Bulldogs

“Warley's moving around pretty good" after playing 39 minutes in the WCC Tournament.”

— Mark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga Bulldogs

What’s next

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The takeaway

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