SPOKANE, Wash. — Yet another Gonzaga player has their sights set on the NBA. On Wednesday, senior guard Malachi Smith announced that he is declaring for the NBA Draft.
"Every moment this season has been a blessing and I am grateful for the memories I have made that I will never forget," Smith wrote in a post declaring his intentions.
Smith joined the Bulldogs last season as a transfer from Chattanooga, providing an immediate spark for Gonzaga. He averaged 8.7 points per game along with 3.6 rebounds while coming in off the bench.
He was named the sixth man of the year for the West Coast Conference.
Despite being a senior, Smith had the option to return to Gonzaga for a fifth season because of Covid. This is the second time Smith has declared for the draft in his college career, so it is possible he does return to school.
The news follows an announcement from fellow Gonzaga guard Julian Strawther earlier this week about his plans to enter the NBA Draft.
Senior forward Drew Timme has also stated that he will not be returning to Gonzaga for another year but has not formally declared for the NBA Draft.
Also, Hunter Sallis and Efton Reid announced they entered the transfer portal.
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