Gonzaga Contacts Elite Defensive Guard via Transfer Portal

The Bulldogs are looking to bolster their perimeter defense with a standout transfer.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and overlapping perspectives of a basketball player on the court, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the intense defensive pressure and playmaking skills that make TJ Burch one of the most sought-after transfers in college basketball.Dallas Today

The Gonzaga Bulldogs have reached out to Wright State guard TJ Burch, a defensive standout who was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year last season. Burch, a 6'1" guard from Dallas, Texas, averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 steals per game as a sophomore. Gonzaga is looking to fill several roster spots after losing multiple players to graduation and the transfer portal, and Burch's elite on-ball defense could be a valuable addition to the team as they transition to the Pac-12 conference.

Why it matters

Gonzaga is looking to reload its roster ahead of its move to the Pac-12 conference next season. The Bulldogs lost several key players, including their starting center and a sharpshooting guard, so they are actively searching the transfer portal to find the right pieces to complement their returning core. Burch's defensive prowess could be a major asset as Gonzaga looks to maintain its status as one of the top programs in the country.

The details

As a sophomore last season, TJ Burch was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year after averaging 12.4 points, 3.6 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 steals per game. He also turned heads with a strong performance in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 15 points with six assists and five steals in Wright State's narrow loss to Virginia. Burch began his college career at Ball State before transferring to Wright State, where he has showcased his excellent distribution skills and elite on-ball defense. In addition to Gonzaga, Burch has also heard from Providence, USC, St. John's, and Ohio State.

  • Burch was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year last season.
  • Burch helped lead Wright State to the NCAA Tournament, where they nearly upset No. 3 seed Virginia.

The players

TJ Burch

A 6'1" guard from Dallas, Texas who was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year last season after averaging 12.4 points, 3.6 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 steals per game for Wright State.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Gonzaga men's basketball team, which is looking to reload its roster ahead of its move to the Pac-12 conference next season.

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What they’re saying

“Gonzaga has their eye on one of the most prolific defensive guards in the transfer portal”

— Tobias Bass, Reporter

What’s next

Gonzaga will continue to recruit TJ Burch and evaluate how he could fit into their roster as they look to build a contending team for the Pac-12.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's pursuit of TJ Burch highlights their need to bolster their perimeter defense as they transition to the Pac-12 conference. Burch's elite on-ball skills and defensive prowess could be a valuable addition to the Bulldogs' roster as they look to maintain their status as one of the top programs in the country.