The Gonzaga Bulldogs are facing a significant roster change as starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery has decided to return to Spain and join the EuroLeague squad Valencia. The departure of the 6-foot-3 Spaniard leaves Gonzaga's coaching staff, led by Mark Few, with limited options for replacing the crucial position.
Saint-Supery, who earned All-West Coast Conference freshman honors in his sole season at Gonzaga, averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He also demonstrated proficiency from beyond the arc, shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers.
His decision to leave came as a surprise, particularly as he was reportedly present at a practice the day before the announcement. Saint-Supery previously played professionally in Spain, where he was known by the nickname “El Principito,” or “The Little Prince.” Valencia confirmed his signing, stating, “The Little Prince will make the Roig Arena his new palace.”
The Bulldogs are slated to enter the newly reconfigured PAC-12 conference, which includes teams such as Utah State, San Diego State, Oregon State, Washington State, Colorado State, Boise State, Texas State, and Fresno State. Despite these changes, Gonzaga was considered a favorite in the conference. However, Saint-Supery's departure, coupled with the closure of the transfer portal and the passing of the signing period, leaves Few with few immediate avenues to recruit an external replacement.
This development marks another setback for Gonzaga's ongoing pursuit of a national championship. It follows another significant roster move earlier in the offseason, when guard Jack Kayil opted to remain in the NBA draft rather than return to college.
Coach Mark Few, who holds the highest win percentage in men's college basketball history at .832, has guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament in every season since taking over in 1999, reaching the national championship game twice. However, the team has been eliminated in the Round of 32 in the last two tournaments, after nine consecutive appearances in the Sweet Sixteen.