It’s the middle of July, and a potential preseason top-10 Gonzaga club just lost its starting point guard, sophomore Mario Saint-Supery, to a massive EuroLeague deal. This isn't just a tough break, it's a stunning decision that blindsided the Zags and throws a major wrench into their entire 2026-27 season outlook. Saint-Supery is heading back to Spain after signing a lucrative multi-year, four-year contract with EuroLeague club Valencia, reportedly worth over $15 million. Talk about a payday, but man, does it sting for the Bulldogs.
That $15 Million Exit Just Gutted the Zags' Backcourt
Seriously, $15 million is life-changing money, and who can blame a guy for taking it? Last season, Saint-Supery was a legit force, averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, plus he was drilling over 40% from 3-point range. The 6-foot-4 guard was primed to be one of college basketball's top-shelf sophomores, especially since Gonzaga had him insulated with one of the nation's best frontcourts. His departure means the Zags' floor general is gone, and let me tell you, it's slim pickings in the portal right now to replace that kind of talent. The expectation is they'll try to internally backfill with Frenchman Nathan De Sousa, who’s 23 and put up 10.9 points and 4.9 assists with a sparkling 2.7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio for Cholet Basket, a top French pro club. That's a solid resume, but replacing Saint-Supery's upside? That's a huge ask.40% of the Starting Five? GONE.
The backcourt depth is shockingly thin after this Saint-Supery shocker. Remember German product Jack Kayil? He unexpectedly kept his name in the 2026 NBA Draft, going No. 39 to the New York Knicks, instead of suiting up for Gonzaga. Think about it: eight weeks ago, Gonzaga could've realistically pictured a starting lineup with Saint-Supery, Kayil, Davis Fogle, Braden Huff, and Massamba Diop. Now, 40% of that high-upside starting five is just gone. And get this, the timing is a brutal double-edged sword. Saint-Supery shared point guard duties with Braeden Smith last season, but when it looked like Saint-Supery was becoming the unquestioned PG1, Smith hit the portal and landed at Notre Dame. If Mark Few and the Zags staff had any inkling Saint-Supery was considering Spain, Smith could've been a huge part of the solution. Now, there are no easy buttons to press. Mark Few and his coaching staff are scrambling, no doubt. They're gonna have to mull over a few options to replenish that depleted backcourt. Gonzaga's always had deep international ties, so that's definitely a route. They could also try to convince four-star 2027 commit Dooney Johnson, a top-30 prospect, to reclassify and join a year early, much like Marcus Spears Jr. just did with Texas. Plus, they're wisely keeping an eye on court proceedings with current seniors fighting back against the NCAA's claims. It's a mess, but if anyone can find a way, it's Few. This season just got a whole lot more interesting for the Zags, and not in the way anyone hoped!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.