Will Ben Gregg be Gonzaga's starting center next season?

After missing the entire 2022-23 season with a leg injury, Ike comes to Gonzaga with a fresh start as the probable starter at the five spot. Ranked as the No. 9 player in the transfer portal, Ike possesses the ability to dominate in the post through sheer physicality. He can be a reliable scoring option whether it's through intentional post touches, pick-and-roll sets or his tenacity on the offensive glass. 

In the 2021-22 season, Ike averaged 19.5 points and 9.6 rebounds to lead the Cowboys to a 25-9 finish and an NCAA Tournament appearance as a sophomore. He ranked in the top 30 nationally in scoring and rebounding while getting to the free-throw line often at 6.7 attempts per night.

His competitiveness on the boards was crucial for the Cowboys, who ranked 41^st nationally in defensive rebounds per game with Ike in the lineup. With Ike out due to injury, they dropped to 241^st in 2022-23.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound junior was named the 2022 Mountain West Conference Preseason Player of the Year before a “wear and tear” injury to his lower leg prevented him from stepping onto the court last season. It wasn’t his first serious injury — prior to his breakout sophomore season, he was limited to 12 games as a freshman while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in high school.

Should Ike pick up where he left off as a sophomore, Few just found another elite center to potentially build the offense around.

BEN GREGG, JUNIOR 

Gregg made the most of his opportunities as the third man off Few’s bench last season, often providing an extra spark with his hustle and ability to stretch the floor. He posted career highs across all statistical categories while playing behind one of the program’s greatest low-post scorers. Even if he doesn’t start, his familiarity with the offense will greatly boost a less-experienced second unit.

Gregg’s experience playing both frontcourt positions gives Few room for creativity in how he utilizes the 6-foot-10, 225-pound big man’s skill set. Shooting 37.7% from deep, he spaced the floor for Timme, Anton Watson and the rest of the offense along the perimeter, often as the high-post ball screener who helped facilitate and spot up.

Now playing alongside another back-to-the-basket big man in Ike, in addition to 6-foot-9 forward Jun Seok Yeo (29.1% from deep in FIBA U19 play), Gregg’s 3-point shooting will be pivotal in providing space for Gonzaga’s newest additions to the frontcourt.

Defensively, Gregg’s strides toward being a solid rim protector helped him average the seventh-most blocks per game in the WCC. He has the feel and verticality to alter even more shots in 2023-24, though discipline will play a key role in his development. Gregg’s 65 personal fouls were more than starting guard Nolan Hickman (62) and not far behind Rasir Bolton (67) in nearly half the playing time.

BRADEN HUFF, SOPHOMORE 

Huff didn’t see a minute of action in 2022-23 as a freshman, but the former top-100 recruit’s skillset certainly fits the mold of a typical Gonzaga big man. Like Gregg, Huff uses his 6-foot-10, 235-pound frame to alter shots at the rim while operating on the perimeter to provide some floor spacing on offense.

Huff’s basketball career took a turn in high school when a five-inch growth spurt transitioned him from a spot-up shooter as a freshman to a versatile big man that led Glenbard West to the Illinois 4A state championship as a senior. Named Illinois’ Mr. Basketball, Huff ascended up 247Sports’ 2022 recruiting class ranks to No. 90 as a four-star recruit.

There wasn’t any rush for Huff to transform into the future of the center position upon his arrival to Gonzaga. Developing behind Timme and an abundance of big men should bode well in competing for playing time this season. It remains to be seen if Huff sees the floor much as a sophomore, but there's no question Few and the coaching staff have a plan for their lone 2022 recruit.