:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54874635/usa_today_9731749.0.jpg)
The re-shaping of Gonzaga’s 2017-2018 roster continues apace, with the latest news that Dustin Triano will leave the program as first reported by KREM 2’s Darnay Tripp. Triano has yet to decide where he will go.
Dustin Triano has decided to transfer from Gonzaga. He graduated so he'll be eligible to play his senior season right away. pic.twitter.com/DD4SVG1l00
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) May 20, 2017
Triano completed his degree and graduated last weekend. Therefore, he qualifies as a graduate transfer and will be immediately eligible at whichever program he elects as he searches for an opportunity to have meaningful playing time in what will be his final year of college basketball.
During the course of his tenure as a walk-on over the last four years (he redshirted his first year), Triano has had a front row seat to the most successful period in Gonzaga basketball history, and called his time as a Zag “an unbelievable life-changing experience.”
As is the case with all walk-ons, Triano was asked to contribute on the practice court and in the locker room while his on-court minutes were limited to blowouts. Following runs to the Elite 8, Sweet 16, and National Championship game in the last three seasons, Triano will bring strong shooting skills and the experience of a winning culture wherever he lands.
Triano is the eighth member of the 2016-17 team to depart from Gonzaga. He joins Przemek Karnowski (graduation), Jordan Mathews (graduation), fellow walk-on and flow enthusiast Rem Bakamus (graduation), Nigel Williams-Goss (NBA draft), Zach Collins (NBA draft), Ryan Edwards (graduated and will forego final year of eligibility), Bryan Alberts (transfer) as definite former Zags. Johnathan Williams III also announced earlier in the offseason that he would be testing the NBA Draft waters, though he is expected back for his senior campaign.
Despite the heavy roster turnover, Triano would not have been expected to see an increased role had he stuck around for another season. Zach Norvell, Jesse Wade, and Joel Ayayi will be added to the backcourt picture next season, while Josh Perkins and Silas Melson remain in place as expected starters. Now, Triano will get a chance to play some meaningful basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll be rooting for him.