Walk-ons are the unsung heroes of college basketball, a truth former Gonzaga guard Will Graves knows intimately. His journey from the Pacific Northwest to the national championship stage is a testament to the vital, behind-the-scenes role these players fill.

Graves spent three seasons with the Bulldogs from 2019 to 2022, culminating in a run to the 2021 NCAA National Championship game in Indianapolis. While the spotlight often shines on the stars, Graves' experience highlights the critical importance of every player on the roster.

In a recent conversation, he reflected on his time in Spokane, emphasizing the unique value of a walk-on at a program like Gonzaga. "Being a walk-on at Gonzaga is the best gig in America," Graves said. "You play a big role on the scout team, and everyone inside the program knows your value. That's really all that matters."

His path took an interesting turn after Gonzaga. For his final season of eligibility, he suited up for the Southern Oregon Wolves, an NAIA program. While he had a brief opportunity to play professionally in the Dominican Republic, Graves—the son of longtime college coach Kelly Graves—felt a pull toward the sidelines.

That decision led him to the University of Florida, where he now serves as a graduate assistant under coach Todd Golden. He's set to graduate this April with a Master's in Sports Management, fully immersed in the coaching world he was born into. "I just jumped on right at the right time," Graves noted, acknowledging his good fortune in joining a program on the rise.

From the hardwood of the Kennel to the sidelines in Gainesville, Will Graves' story is one of adaptability, recognizing one's role, and successfully transitioning a deep love for the game into a promising coaching career. It's a reminder that championship teams are built on more than just starting lineups.