clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2020 Recruiting: Jalen Suggs is Officially a Zag

The Tricky Trio is now complete.

By Peter Woodburn

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Chipotle Clash Of Champions - Sierra Canyon v Minnehana Academy Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

2020 five-star guard Jalen Suggs officially signed his letter of intent to play with the Gonzaga Bulldogs next season, ending the speculation that he would play in Europe.

Suggs verbally committed to Gonzaga back in January, finalizing the recruiting trio of Dominick Harris and Julian Strawther, commonly known as the Tricky Trio online. However, there were nagging questions about whether or not Suggs (who has been transparent from the beginning on his intention to only play one season of college basketball) would play at Gonzaga or try and begin his professional career in Europe.

Much of that discussion was fueled by Suggs’ father, who was doing his research in maximizing his son’s earning potential. No harm no foul there. However, the Covid-19 global epidemic rapidly put those dreams of a European career to a halt.

Suggs now official arrival cements Gonzaga as one of the top teams in the nation. Gonzaga is already appearning either first or second on many national publications too-early top 25 lists. With most everyone expected to return (possibly except for Filip Petrusev, although that remains to be seen), the Zags will boast a veteran lineup that finished this season ranked No. 2 and is welcoming the best recruiting class in school history.

In a recent interview with Jackson Frank of The Athletic, Suggs said exactly how he expects the year to transpire:

“They’ve always just been missing that one big superstar, that one big missing piece. I feel like I’d come in, fill that role and bring the Zags to a championship,” Suggs says. “And I tell you what, I definitely don’t want to leave Spokane without one.”

Suggs is ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the 247 Sports Composite. He is the second Gonzaga recruit in school history to be named a McDonald’s All-American, joining NBAer Zach Collins. Suggs was one of five finalists for the Naismith High School Boys National Player of the Year and has won three gold medals with Team USA. In short, he is the most decorated recruit in school history.

More From The Slipper Still Fits