Jalen Warley's return boosts Gonzaga ahead of March Madness

The versatile senior wing is back after missing two games with a quad injury.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Gonzaga's Jalen Warley returned to action in the WCC Tournament championship game after missing two games due to a quad contusion. The 6'7" wing played 23 minutes, scoring 4 points with 3 rebounds and 1 assist, providing his trademark energy and versatility on both ends of the floor. Warley's impact goes beyond the box score, as Gonzaga relies on him as a 'problem solver' who can guard multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and make winning plays.

Why it matters

Warley's return is crucial for Gonzaga as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs have dealt with an unusually high number of injuries this season, and they'll need a healthy Warley to make a deep March Madness run. Warley's unique skillset and leadership are vital to Gonzaga's success.

The details

Warley missed Gonzaga's final two regular season games to rest and undergo a new treatment plan for his quad injury. He was able to practice on Friday and Saturday before returning to action in the WCC championship game against Oregon State. Though Warley was limited to 23 minutes and didn't stuff the stat sheet, his energy, defense, and playmaking were important factors in Gonzaga's victory.

  • Warley suffered the quad contusion in early February against Portland.
  • Gonzaga sat Warley for the final two regular season games on Feb. 25 and Feb. 28.
  • Warley returned to practice on Friday and Saturday before playing in the WCC championship on March 10.

The players

Jalen Warley

A 6'7" senior wing for Gonzaga who serves as the team's 'swiss army knife', capable of guarding multiple positions, facilitating the offense, and making winning plays.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who has guided the team through an unusually high number of injuries this season.

Graham Ike

A Gonzaga player who praised Warley's impact on the team, highlighting his energy, leadership, and ability to keep the offense moving.

Adam Miller

A Gonzaga player who called Warley an 'amazing player' who leads in ways that aren't always visible.

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What they’re saying

“He's special, man. The way he gets us into action, the way that he just keeps the ball moving on the offensive end is special. And then on the defensive end, he's handsy. He's everywhere. He's in his coverage as he's talking to us. He's pulling us together for huddles. We definitely missed his energy and his leadership on the floor, and I'm glad to have him back.”

— Graham Ike (si.com)

“He's different, man. He's an amazing player, and he leads in ways that you guys don't even see. He's just amazing.”

— Adam Miller (si.com)

“He actually had some treatment that finally worked this week, and he was moving around really, really well; the best it's been in probably a month, at least. We were encouraged by that, but he only had two practices — I think Friday and Saturday — to kind of get up and going.”

— Mark Few, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

Gonzaga and Santa Clara will battle it out on Tuesday night at 6:00 PM PT, with the game broadcast on ESPN.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's success this season has been hampered by injuries, but the return of versatile senior Jalen Warley provides a much-needed boost as the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament. Warley's unique skillset and leadership will be crucial if the Bulldogs hope to make a deep March Madness run.