The Gonzaga Bulldogs' roster reshuffle continues as seven-foot sophomore center Ismaila Diagne has entered the transfer portal, becoming the fifth Zag to do so this offseason. He joins a list that includes Steele Venters, Emmanuel Innocenti, Braeden Smith, and Cade Orness, signaling a significant period of transition for the program.

Diagne, a native of Senegal and a former Real Madrid academy prospect, spent two seasons in Spokane primarily as the third big man behind stars Graham Ike and Braden Huff. His statistical impact was limited, averaging 1.7 points and 2.4 rebounds across 38 appearances, but he provided valuable depth and energy off the bench.

His potential flashed brightly in a late-February game against Santa Clara last season, where he delivered a perfect 4-for-4 shooting performance for a career-high nine points, adding four rebounds and a block. While moments like that were sporadic, Diagne was known as a positive locker room presence and a fan favorite, embodying the team-first spirit crucial to any successful program.

His departure, however, leaves a notable gap in Gonzaga's frontcourt. The move puts increased pressure on the coaching staff to find an experienced, two-way rim protector through the portal. The current roster for 2026-27 has only three players standing above 6'8": Braden Huff, redshirt freshman Parker Jefferson, and incoming freshman Sam Funches.

Despite the exits, the core for next season remains promising. The Bulldogs will build around point guard Mario Saint-Supery, wing Davis Fogle, and the offensive focal point, Braden Huff. As Mark Few navigates the modern transfer portal era, filling this new void in the paint becomes a top priority to keep Gonzaga competing at its customary elite level.