Pavel Zakharov Transfers to California Baptist University

Former Gonzaga Bulldogs big man Pavel Zakharov has officially transferred to the California Baptist Lancers, he announced on his Instagram today.

The Lancers went 13-10 last season and ranked No. 229 in KenPom. Pavel’s arrival will be welcomed by head coach Rick Croy, who might potentially be losing the services of his senior center Gorjak Gak (if he does not decide to exercise another year of eligibility).

Zakharov arrived at Gonzaga as a four-star prospect ranked No. 60 in the nation by 247 Sports. Unfortunately, being in the same class as Drew Timme and Anton Watson created some difficulties for the Russian big man to find playing time in his two years at Gonzaga.

He picked up 4.5 minutes per game his freshman season, but that dropped to 2.8 minutes per game this season. He was passed over in the rotation by both Oumar Ballo and, later, Ben Gregg. With Timme presumably returning, the theoretical arrival of Chet Holmgren, and Kaden Perry, Anton Watson, and Ben Gregg to boot, the writing was on the wall in terms of his role with the squad next season.

At Cal Baptist, Zakharov should be able to find himself some quality minutes—presumably, that is why he is transferring there.