The Gonzaga Bulldog’s will be losing standout freshman Jalen Suggs because the guard has declared for the 2021 NBA Draft. This comes the same day that the Gonzaga Bulldogs learn they had landed Sugg’s former high school teammate and number one overall recruit Chet Holmgren. The guard was always expected to be a “one and done” prospect and shouldn’t fall past the fifth selection. Gonzaga had an amazing season with Suggs and went undefeated until running into the Baylor Bears in the 2021 NCAA Championship game.
Breaking: Gonzaga freshman Jalen Suggs announced he is declaring for the NBA draft. pic.twitter.com/RTdySqBxfh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 19, 2021
Jalen Suggs was phenomenal during his freshman campaign with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He showcased his talent, made a miracle play in the Final Four, and even improved his already high draft stock in the process. Mark Few had a talented roster and Suggs at the time was his highest-rated recruit ever. The match was perfect and the team had a historic run with Suggs on the team. Suggs averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in his single season with the Bulldogs.
The former Gonzaga Bulldog should provide an immediate impact on the NBA team that drafts him in the top five. His ability to score will be highly valued at the next level along with his other abilities. Suggs was always going to be in the 2021 NBA Draft, but the real question was which path would he take. He debated playing professionally, but instead, he did decide to play with Gonzaga. The guard raised his national profile during the year and likely does not regret his decision. His goal now will be to prepare for the 2021 NBA Draft and begin his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
