Friday News and Notes: Zags closing in on Coleman?

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Over the past few years, the month of June has rarely been a calm one for Gonzaga basketball. Yes, school is out and the players are enjoying some time off but the work being done behind the scenes by the staff is kicking into high gear. Not only is prep recruiting for the 2013-2015 classes starting to pick up, but the staff is also working a couple other angles that could produce huge results. Here are a few things that are currently going on in the Gonzaga basketball world.

1. Most notably: Providence transfer Gerard Coleman. Coleman recently visited Spokane and, according to the Boston Herald, he will decide between either the Zags or Xavier. He will have two years of eligibility after sitting out next season due to transfer rules. Gerard averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds in about 34 minutes a game last year for the Friars. He would be a big get for Gonzaga who will be in desperate need of help at the wing next season following Guy Landry Edi's senior season. As it stands now, Gonzaga's lone option at the wing for the 2013-14 season appears to be Kyle Dranginis. Many expect Kyle to be a valuable contributor but we have still yet to see what he can do making the jump from Idaho High School Hoops to Division 1 Basketball.

2. Even after the commitment of Przemek Karnowski, most knew that the staff was not done adding to the 2012 class. That belief was proven true when French center Mam Jaiteh visited Spokane this past weekend. He has swung over to the west side of the state to visit Washington and it is expected that he will decide between the two schools soon, although professional ball overseas is still very much in play. Many are labeling Jaiteh as a serious project but we have learned that he is an extremely solid prospect that could really excel in the states following a redshirt season.

3. 2013 recruiting has also heated up now that AAU ball is in full swing. One prospect that has caught the eye of the staff is Jordan Mathews. The 6'3'' wing prospect recently said that Gonzaga and VCU are recruiting him the hardest. He does not hold an offer from the Zags yet but does have offers from VCU, San Diego State, and a few other schools. He hopes to visit Spokane in the near future and it looks like VCU, San Diego State, and Cal could be the major competition if the Bulldogs continue to pursue this talented California guard. With the possibility of adding Gerard Coleman, it will be interesting to see how the staff handles wing recruiting in 2013 but Mathews appears to be a very solid prospect.

4. One of the best events of the summer kicks off today: The Pangos All-American Camp in Long Beach, CA. We know that a trio of Gonzaga prospects will be in attendance: Kendal Harris, Malik Pope (both 2013), and Kendall Small (2015). We will keep you posted as we learn more from the event.