Gonzaga Transfer Portal Target Opts to Forego Eligibility and Remain in NBA Draft

However, a 23 point performance in his second scrimmage at the NBA draft combine - along with his staggering 6'11.25 wingspan - was enough for the 23-year-old to stay in the draft process despite a mid-to-late second round grade by most NBA draft analysts.

Watkins spent two seasons at VCU, where he averaged 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 61 games, before transferring to Florida State and immediately blossoming into one of the best scorers in college hoops. As a junior he averaged 156 points while shooting 34.4% from three and 79.5% at the free throw line on 6.2 attempts per game.

He was even better this past year, with his 18.4 points the fourth best mark in the ACC. He also got to the line a whopping 7.7 times per game, with his 183 made free throws the 11th most in the country. He was the only player in CBB to attempt at least 20 free throws in a game multiple times.

It's easy to see why Watkins would have been an excellent fit at Gonzaga. His size, scoring ability, and proclivity to get to the free throw line are all reminiscent of his former high school teammate Battle - and they were skills the Zags heavily pursued until Wednesday when the team landed Tyon Grant-Foster, a transfer out of Grand Canyon who will fill the role vacated by Battle's departure.

Gonzaga has just one player, point guard Ryan Nembhard, who is drawing serious NBA draft consideration after a strong performance at the combine earlier this month.

Former Zag Hunter Sallis is also considered a potential second round pick after a pair of strong seasons at Wake Forest, while Australian wing Alex Toohey - who at one point was committed to Gonzaga - is in the mix as well after staying home and playing professionally in the NBL.