Gonzaga men’s basketball has been ranked on top in the Blue Ribbon Yearbook 2024-25 preview. Graham Ike was highlighted as Blue Ribbon’s choice for West Coast Conference Player of the Year, and the Bulldogs are favored to win the WCC.
Coming off their ninth straight Sweet 16 appearance, the Gonzaga program holds a spot in the Top 25 rankings for the upcoming season. The digital edition was released earlier this week.
Graham Ike, a 6-foot-9 redshirt senior, achieved third-team All-American status and is expected to make the All-WCC first team for the second year in a row.
Khalif Battle, a graduate transfer from Arkansas, is predicted to earn the WCC Newcomer of the Year award. The 6-foot-5 guard is included in the starting lineup alongside returners Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Ben Gregg, and Ike.
Additionally, Michael Ajayi, who led the WCC in scoring at Pepperdine, is noted as a key reserve, with potential to start and be a significant professional prospect.
Four others from last year’s All-WCC first team—Saint Mary’s Augustus Marciulionis, Mitchell Saxen, Santa Clara’s Adama Bal, and San Francisco’s Marcus Williams—join Ajayi and Ike in Blue Ribbon’s picks.
Gonzaga is projected to finish first in the WCC, aiming for its 12th consecutive season atop the standings, with Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara following in the rankings.
In Blue Ribbon’s Top 25, Alabama leads, with Kansas and Duke in second and third places. Mark Sears of Alabama is named Player of the Year, while Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the Newcomer of the Year.
Former Gonzaga players Oumar Ballo and Hunter Sallis made Blue Ribbon’s All-America fourth team.
UConn, reigning national champions, ranked No. 6, and Kentucky appears at No. 19. Gonzaga’s report card shows top marks in multiple categories, indicating strong potential for success in the upcoming season.
The hard copy of Blue Ribbon Yearbook’s 2024-25 preview will be available later this week.
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