Gonzaga's Braden Huff Uncertain for NCAA Tournament After Knee Injury

The leftie big man hasn't played since dislocating his knee in January.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:33am

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Gonzaga Bulldogs redshirt junior forward Braden Huff spoke to the media for the first time since dislocating his left knee during practice on January 14. Huff said he is feeling good and the knee is coming along well, but he is out for the team's first-round matchup against Kennesaw State. Huff's status for the rest of the NCAA Tournament remains uncertain as he has not yet returned to full practice or participated in shootarounds.

Why it matters

Huff's injury is a significant blow to Gonzaga's chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, as he was a key contributor to the team's 30-3 record and West Coast Conference championship. His potential return later in the tournament could provide a major boost if the Bulldogs advance.

The details

Huff dislocated his left knee during practice on January 14, just a day before Gonzaga's matchup with Washington State. He has not played since then, but said he is now jogging and shooting. However, he has not returned to full practice or participated in shootarounds, and his status for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain.

  • Huff dislocated his left knee on January 14.
  • Gonzaga's first-round NCAA Tournament game is on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. PT.

The players

Braden Huff

Redshirt junior forward for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The No. 3 seed in the West region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the West Coast Conference champions with a 30-3 record.

Kennesaw State Owls

The No. 14 seed in the West region, the Kennesaw State Owls won their Conference USA tournament to earn a bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I'm feeling good. The knee is coming along well. I'm jogging, shooting. I'm out this weekend, but the rest of the tournament is up in the air.”

— Braden Huff, Redshirt Junior Forward

What’s next

If Gonzaga advances past the first round, Huff's status for the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament will be a key storyline to follow.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's national title hopes took a hit with Braden Huff's knee injury, but the team remains a contender if he can return later in the tournament. His potential return would provide a major boost to the Bulldogs' chances of making a deep run.