Gonzaga's Graham Ike wins second WCC Tournament MVP award

Ike becomes just the fourth player to win the award multiple times, joining an elite group of Gonzaga stars

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:06am

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Gonzaga forward Graham Ike was named the West Coast Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player for the second time in his career after leading the Bulldogs to their 23rd and final WCC championship. Ike, the WCC Player of the Year, scored 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting in the title game against Santa Clara, adding to his dominant 24-point, 11-rebound performance in the semifinals. Ike joins an exclusive club of Gonzaga players to win multiple WCC Tournament MVP awards, including Dan Dickau, Adam Morrison, and Kyle Wiltjer.

Why it matters

Ike's second WCC Tournament MVP award cements his status as one of the best low-post scorers in college basketball. His consistent dominance has been a key factor in Gonzaga's continued success in the WCC, as the Bulldogs prepare to depart the conference and join a new league next season.

The details

Ike was limited to just two shots in the first half against a Santa Clara defense that sent multiple defenders at him, but he remained patient and found other ways to impact the game, scoring 11 of his 15 points in the second half. Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek praised Ike's "brilliance" and said the Broncos did about as well as they could in defending him, even though he finished a perfect 7-for-7 from the field.

  • Ike scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in Gonzaga's semifinal win over Oregon State on Monday.
  • Ike led Gonzaga to the WCC Tournament championship on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Graham Ike

A junior forward for Gonzaga and the WCC Player of the Year, Ike has now won the WCC Tournament MVP award twice in his career, joining an elite group of Gonzaga stars.

Herb Sendek

The head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos, Sendek praised Ike's dominance and said the Broncos did about as well as they could in defending the Gonzaga star.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Few praised Ike's consistent performance and ability to deliver in the toughest moments.

Tyon Grant-Foster

The Gonzaga wing scored 20 points and added 7 rebounds in the WCC Tournament championship game, earning All-Tournament honors.

Braden Huff

The Gonzaga junior forward has been sidelined since early January with a left knee injury, but his teammates expressed their support and excitement for his potential return.

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What they’re saying

“I think (we defended him) about as well we you can. That's always a great sign that a guy's really good if he's 7 for 7 and has 15 points and you're crediting the defense for a good job. That just speaks to his brilliance. He is arguably the best low-post scorer in all of college basketball.”

— Herb Sendek, Santa Clara Head Coach

“He just delivers night in, night out. Two guys on him, three guys on him and always delivers in the toughest and tightest moments.”

— Mark Few, Gonzaga Head Coach

What’s next

Gonzaga is expected to receive a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with the potential return of injured forward Braden Huff being a key storyline to monitor as the Bulldogs prepare for the Big Dance.

The takeaway

Graham Ike's second WCC Tournament MVP award cements his status as one of the premier big men in college basketball, and his continued dominance has been a driving force behind Gonzaga's sustained excellence in the conference. As the Bulldogs prepare to leave the WCC, Ike's performance serves as a fitting capstone to the program's long-standing dominance in the league.