Gonzaga Bulldogs' Drew Timme returning for senior college basketball season

play

Drew Timme withdrew from the NBA draft and will return to the Zags for another season, solidifying Mark Few's team as a national championship contender.

Timme, a two-time All-American, initially entered the draft in early April but decided to stay in the draft or return to college before the deadline.

Timme made a simple announcement with 45 minutes before the deadline.

Timme has been one of the most productive players in the country over the last two seasons. He averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebound and 2.8 assists, shooting 58.6% from the field. In his sophomore year, Timme put up 19.0 points and 7.0 rebound, shooting 65.5% from the field.

He was a second-team All-American in each of the past two seasons.

During Timme's three seasons in Spokane, the team has gone 90-7 and received a 1-seed in both NCAA tournament appearances.

The Zags are the big winners. There was a chance that they would not have a single starter from last season's campaign. Over the course of the last 32 hours, three players from the team announced their return. On Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, the first and second announcements were made.

With Timme back in the fold, there is a strong case for the preseason No. 1 spot. Along with three returning starters, Few is bringing back two former five-star recruits who played reserve roles last season. The key backup forward is returning to the area. The former five-star recruit was signed earlier this spring as Timme insurance.

Malachi Smith, the Southern Conference Player of the Year, is a transfer from the Bulldogs.