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Gonzaga Basketball

Geno Crandall completes school work, joins Gonzaga basketball team

North Dakota Fighting Hawks guard Geno Crandall (0) hits a three point shot over Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Josh Perkins (13) to send the game into overtime during the second half of a college basketball game on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga won the game 89-83 in overtime. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Geno Crandall has completed his degree requirements as well as his first Gonzaga practice, according to school sources.

Crandall, one of the higher profile graduate transfers in college basketball’s offseason, apparently arrived on GU’s campus Friday. He has participated in one practice.

Crandall’s arrival was delayed because he didn’t complete his graduation requirements after committing to the Zags in early July. He said in a September podcast that he needed 19 credits over the summer.

Crandall is expected to enroll in the second session of graduate classes begins Oct. 23.

Crandall’s name was added to the team roster on Gonzaga’s athletic Website on Saturday afternoon.

The 6-foot-4 guard should fill an important role for the Zags, who were in need of another ball-handler and playmaker. Senior Josh Perkins, coming off shoulder surgery, is the only experienced point guard on the roster. Crandall figures to be in the mix for a starting position or major minutes coming off the bench.

Crandall joins a guard line that includes sophomores Zach Norvell Jr. and Corey Kispert, and freshmen Greg Foster Jr. and Joel Ayayi.

Crandall played in 94 games with 90 starts at North Dakota. He helped UND reach the NCAA Tournament in his sophomore season. He scored 28 points as North Dakota nearly upset Gonzaga at the McCarthey Athletic Center last season.

Crandall, a two-time second-team All-Big Sky selection, averaged 16.6 points last season and connected on 41.7 percent of his 3-point attempts. He also contributed 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and a Big Sky-best 67 steals.

Crandall will have the rest of the month to get up to speed before GU’s exhibition opener against Central Washington on Nov. 1 and regular-season opener vs. Idaho State on Nov. 6. GU also scrimmages Michigan State on Oct. 27 in Crandall’s hometown of Minneapolis.

Head coach Mark Few indicated after last Saturday’s Kraziness in the Kennel that he was optimistic Crandall would finish his academic requirements and join the team soon.