< formatted article >

Braden Huff: The Unnoticed Force of Gonzaga's Frontcourt

A Dominant Force on the Court

Last season, while many college basketball players struggled to find consistency, Braden Huff was a beast in the paint for Gonzaga. Averaging 17.8 points per game on a staggering 69.7% shooting inside the arc, Huff was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His efficiency and scoring dominance made him a key offensive weapon—yet, when major preseason rankings like CBS Sports and Field of 68 were released, Huff was nowhere to be found.

The Mystery of the Snub

Three returning starters from Gonzaga’s lineup remain, with Huff leading the charge as the team’s biggest offensive threat. So why the exclusion? Some speculate that his late-season return from a knee injury—one that sidelined him for most of last year—may have impacted his ranking. Both lists seemed to favor players who had full seasons to showcase their skills, leaving Huff’s abbreviated return as a potential factor in his omission.

Then there’s the injury concern. Huff’s past issues with knee problems could be making voters hesitant to rank him among the nation’s best. But with a full offseason to recover and a projected 20-point, 65% shooting season ahead, his talent is undeniable.

A Teammate’s Impact

Huff won’t have to shoulder the frontcourt burden alone this year. Massamba Diop, another Gonzaga big man, returns to ease the load on defense and the boards. A balanced frontcourt could mean even higher efficiency for Huff, allowing him to dominate in ways he couldn’t last season.

Yet despite the potential for a breakout year, the snubs continue. Players from Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Kentucky were favored over Huff, with Utah State’s Mason Falslev receiving the nod instead. Some critics argue that rankings often overlook players who don’t fit a specific narrative—those who excel in efficiency rather than flashy highlights.

Could Timing Be the Culprit?

Both preseason rankings were published before players returned to full health. If voters are waiting to see early-season performances before making final judgments, Huff still has time to prove his worth. For now, his exclusion remains a puzzle for Gonzaga fans and college basketball analysts alike.

As Huff gears up for his senior year, one thing is clear: his impact on the court is undeniable. Whether the rankings catch up remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure, Huff is a player to watch.