Gonzaga forward Ismaila Diagne enters transfer portal as roster turnover continues

The 7'0 big man from Senegal is the latest Zag to enter the portal, leaving Gonzaga with a depleted frontcourt for 2026-27.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in bright colors representing the players and action on the court.Gonzaga's roster overhaul continues as the Bulldogs lose another key frontcourt piece to the transfer portal.Spokane Today

Gonzaga forward Ismaila Diagne has entered the NCAA transfer portal, joining a growing list of Bulldogs players who have decided to leave the program. Diagne, a 7'0 big man from Senegal, averaged just 1.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game this past season as a sophomore. His departure leaves Gonzaga with a depleted frontcourt, as the team has now lost several key rotation players from last year's squad.

Why it matters

Gonzaga is facing significant roster turnover heading into the 2026-27 season, with ten players either out of eligibility or entering the transfer portal. Diagne's exit leaves the Bulldogs thin up front, with only redshirt senior Braden Huff, redshirt freshman Parker Jefferson, and incoming freshman Sam Funches remaining as scholarship big men on the roster. This will be a major challenge for head coach Mark Few as he looks to rebuild the Zags into a contender next season.

The details

Diagne, a late addition to Gonzaga's roster ahead of the 2024-25 season, struggled to make an impact during his two years with the program. After appearing in just 10 games as a freshman due to injuries and a concussion, he started 3 of 28 games this past season but averaged only 1.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in just 7 minutes per contest. Foul trouble was a persistent issue, as Diagne racked up more fouls (33) than points (30) on the year.

  • The transfer portal window opened officially on April 7, 2026 and will remain open until April 21, 2026.
  • Diagne is the first Gonzaga post player to enter the portal this offseason.

The players

Ismaila Diagne

A 7'0 big man from Senegal who played professionally in Spain before joining Gonzaga. He struggled with injuries and foul trouble during his two seasons with the Bulldogs.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who will have to rebuild his roster significantly for the 2026-27 season.

Braden Huff

The lone remaining rotation player from last season's Gonzaga team, Huff is a redshirt senior who will be counted on to anchor the Bulldogs' frontcourt next year.

Parker Jefferson

A redshirt freshman big man who will be expected to take on a larger role for Gonzaga next season with the departures of several key frontcourt players.

Sam Funches

An incoming freshman who will join Gonzaga's depleted frontcourt next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gonzaga center Ismaila Diagne plans to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @TheAthleticCBB”

— Tobias Bass, Reporter

What’s next

Diagne will look to find a new program where he can get more playing time and opportunity to develop his game, with two years of eligibility remaining. Gonzaga, meanwhile, will need to address its frontcourt depth through the transfer portal or incoming recruiting class as it looks to rebuild for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Gonzaga is facing a major roster overhaul heading into next season, with Diagne's departure leaving the Bulldogs thin up front. Head coach Mark Few will have his work cut out for him as he looks to rebuild the Zags into a contender once again with so many key players departing the program.