The wait is finally over for Gonzaga fans and especially for Steele Venters, Braeden Smith, and Jalen Warley. After what must have felt like an eternity, these three players are set to make their Gonzaga debuts in the season opener against Texas Southern. This game marks not just the beginning of the season, but also the culmination of perseverance, patience, and hard work for these athletes.
The college basketball offseason, spanning seven to eight months, already feels long for avid followers. However, Venters, Smith, and Warley have endured much longer periods away from meaningful game action. Their journeys back to the court are compelling narratives of dedication and resilience. As No. 21 Gonzaga prepares to face Texas Southern at McCarthey Athletic Center, all eyes will be on these players as they finally get their chance to shine.
This article delves into the stories of Venters, Smith, and Warley, highlighting their paths to this highly anticipated moment. We’ll explore what each player brings to the team and what their debut means for the Zags as they embark on the 2025-26 season. Furthermore, we’ll preview the game against Texas Southern and examine Gonzaga’s overall outlook as they prepare to face tougher opponents in the weeks ahead.
Steele Venters: A Long-Awaited Debut
Steele Venters’ journey to the court has been nothing short of arduous. After transferring from Eastern Washington, Venters faced successive ACL and Achilles injuries that kept him sidelined for an agonizing 961 days. His story is a testament to perseverance and unwavering dedication. Now, more than two years after signing with Gonzaga, Venters is finally ready to showcase his talents.
“I’m super excited. Obviously I’ve waited two years for this,” Venters said, expressing his gratitude. “I’m just blessed to be back, blessed to be with these guys and blessed to be out on the court again.” His return is not just a personal victory but also a significant boost for the Zags. Venters, an Ellensburg native, is expected to bring much-needed 3-point shooting to a team that struggled from beyond the arc last season.
Assistant coach Brian Michaelson praised Venters’ resilience during his rehab process. “His daily approach, his consistency, but his belief in himself and the positive attitude he had every day was really uplifting to the last two teams,” Michaelson noted. Venters’ presence, even when injured, positively influenced the team’s culture, underscoring his value beyond his on-court abilities.
Braeden Smith: Ready to Lead the Backcourt
Braeden Smith’s path to the court involved a voluntary redshirt year, allowing him to learn from NCAA assists leader Ryan Nembhard. As Nembhard’s anticipated successor, Smith, a Seattle native and former Patriot League Player of the Year, is now poised to take on a leadership role in the backcourt. Monday’s game will mark his first official action since Colgate’s loss to Baylor in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, ending a 591-day wait.
Smith’s redshirt year was invaluable, providing him with the opportunity to assimilate into Gonzaga’s system and refine his skills. Now, he steps onto the court with a deeper understanding of the game and a readiness to contribute significantly. His ability to lead the offense and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for the Zags as they navigate the season.
While there may be some rust to shake off, Smith’s talent and preparation suggest he will quickly become a key player for Gonzaga. His debut is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how he translates his potential into tangible results on the court. All eyes will be on Smith as he directs the team’s offense and demonstrates his capabilities as a playmaker.
Jalen Warley: Finding His Place in the Rotation
Jalen Warley is another player set to make his Gonzaga debut after transferring and facing his own period of waiting. Having last played for Florida State, where he scored 10 points against North Carolina in the 2024 ACC Tournament, Warley’s return to the court is eagerly awaited. The 599 days since his last game have been a period of anticipation and preparation.
As the season opener approaches, questions linger about how Warley and other players will fit into the team’s rotation. Coach Few faces the challenge of integrating a deep roster, potentially stretching 10 or 11 players, into cohesive units. The game against Texas Southern provides a valuable opportunity to experiment with different lineups and assess player combinations.
Warley’s versatility and experience could be significant assets for Gonzaga. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be crucial as he carves out his role within the team. The initial games will be critical in determining how Warley and the other newcomers adapt to Gonzaga’s system and contribute to the team’s success.
Gonzaga vs. Texas Southern: A Season Opener Preview
As Gonzaga prepares to face Texas Southern, the team aims to capitalize on positional advantages across the board. Texas Southern, picked to finish fifth in the SWAC preseason poll, is replacing key players from last season, presenting an opportunity for the Zags to assert their dominance. A win would extend Gonzaga’s streak of 21 consecutive season openers, dating back to 2003, and 35 straight home openers.
Texas Southern’s key player is Zaire Hayes, a 6-foot-2 guard and the team’s only returning double-digit scorer. Guard Kolby Granger, who averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds, also returns. However, Gonzaga’s depth and talent across multiple positions should give them a significant edge in the game.
With several players debuting for the program, including transfers Adam Miller and Tyon Grant-Foster, and freshmen Mario Saint-Supery, Davis Fogle, and Parker Jefferson, Gonzaga’s roster is brimming with potential. Coach Few acknowledges the need for adaptability and continuous improvement as the season progresses. The opener provides a crucial runway to integrate these new faces and build team cohesion.
Navigating Rotations and Building Chemistry
Coach Few emphasized that the rotations will evolve throughout the year as players continue to develop and find their roles. “These guys, it’s good, they’re all bringing something so there’s not a whole lot of separation,” Few noted. “They’re all willing, I think they all enjoy playing together. So knock on wood, you hope everybody stays healthy.” The initial games will be crucial for determining the optimal lineups and fostering team chemistry.
The coaching staff will be closely monitoring player performances and making adjustments as needed. The goal is to create a balanced and versatile team that can adapt to various opponents and game situations. The depth of the roster provides numerous options, but it also requires careful management to ensure that each player has the opportunity to contribute effectively.
As Gonzaga prepares for a challenging stretch of nonconference games against Power Five opponents, the focus is on building a strong foundation and developing the necessary cohesion to compete at the highest level. The journey begins with the opener against Texas Southern, and the team is eager to showcase their potential and embark on a successful season.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise
The Gonzaga Bulldogs stand on the cusp of what promises to be an exciting season, marked by the highly anticipated debuts of Steele Venters, Braeden Smith, and Jalen Warley. These players represent the culmination of patience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, adding depth and talent to an already impressive roster. As they step onto the court against Texas Southern, they carry the hopes and expectations of Zag Nation.
The season opener serves as a crucial first step in a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Coach Few’s emphasis on adaptability, continuous improvement, and team chemistry underscores the program’s commitment to excellence. The integration of new faces, the refinement of rotations, and the fostering of a cohesive unit will be key themes as the season unfolds.
With a challenging nonconference schedule looming, the Bulldogs are poised to test their mettle against top-tier competition. The blend of returning talent and promising newcomers sets the stage for a compelling narrative, and fans eagerly await the unfolding story of the 2025-26 Gonzaga basketball season. As the Zags embark on this journey, the focus remains on growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
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