Grip on Sports: Gonzaga’s Williams-Goss decides to turn pro, making a decision that is never easy

A GRIP ON SPORTS • It was just a year ago when Gonzaga fans were lamenting the loss of stars Domantas Sabonis and Kyle Wiltjer. It sure didn’t bode well for 2016-17. How would the Zags ever replace them? Then something amazing happened. And now, in a strange way, history is repeating. Read on.

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• Nigel Williams-Goss made it official yesterday. The point guard is foregoing his senior season and turning pro. That comes on the heels of talented freshman Zach Collins declaring for the NBA draft a week ago.

Both were key components in Gonzaga’s march to the NCAA title game and a 37-2 record.

Both could have been even more important next season, with the loss of Przemek Karnowski and Jordan Mathews to graduation.

But neither will be in a Gonzaga uniform.

Everyone has an opinion on their decisions, from Jane GU Fan to Joe NBA Draft Guy. But there are only two opinions that matter here: Collins’ and Williams-Goss’ (and their families’).

And they made what they felt were the correct ones. But were they?

To try to ascertain that, I’ve talked with people I know with deep NBA front-office experience and with college coaches. And the consensus is clear. Though they all understand the “why” behind the decisions, both would have been just fine staying.

Especially Collins.

There is no doubt Collins will be a high draft pick. He’ll probably go somewhere between 12 and 20. Seven-foot players with his skills are in high demand. But he also has some areas of his game that need development, from strength to the nuances of post play.

Say he had opted to return and was able to improve. There was a good chance Collins could have been a top-five pick next season. That’s not my opinion, that’s from people who know a lot more about this than I do.

There is quite a bit of difference in monetary gain between the 15th pick and the third pick: Upwards of $10 million dollars over the first three years of the contract. (For more on the salary scale for this year, realgm.com has this handy chart.)

Of course there is a flip side to staying. What happens if something goes wrong, an injury or Collins’ status falls? He would have been giving up what seems like a sure thing.

The kid from Las Vegas probably understands odds. Take the $5 million or so that seems pretty set now or roll the dice, come back, improve and possibly earn one of the $15 million or so spots in the draft next year.

In essence he’s betting against himself.

Williams-Goss’ case is different. There is little consensus he will be picked at all. The best I heard was a late second-round choice. You know, like Isaiah Thomas a few years ago.

But I wouldn’t bet against Williams-Goss, having experienced his will the past year, though those who makes the decisions – NBA general managers and their scouting personnel – are not sold on his abilities.

If he answers their questions over the next few weeks, he has a shot of being taken. Then he has a shot of making a roster. But he also may have to be on the same rollercoaster Wiltjer rode this season, bouncing up and down between the NBA and the D-League. (It also a fate that may await Collins, depending on who takes him.)

It’s not a fun ride.

The NBA Developmental League is bus trips and eating at Perkins. It’s lots of games and little in the way of true development – for some organizations.

Instead of being the face of college basketball next season – that’s what Williams-Goss would have been as a returning All-American and a returning Academic All-American; he’s a better choice than Grayson Allen, that’s for sure – Williams-Goss will either be a) playing for an NBA team; b) shuttling between the NBA and the D-League; c) a full-time D-League player; or d) playing overseas.

In essence, he’s betting on himself.

And why not? He’s earned the right. He’s accomplished everything he’s ever tried to accomplish, in the classroom and on the court.

Except, despite his best efforts, winning one last game.

• By the way, Mark Few and a couple of his assistants were in California yesterday, taking in the Golden State Warriors practice. The visit led to this story. But it also led to a few pictures of Few talking with Warrior assistant Mike Brown. Funny thing. Brown’s son, Elijah, is the top graduate transfer available this offseason. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for New Mexico last season.

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WSU: Last year was a season of drought-breaking for the Cougar special teams, and coach Eric Mele hopes to continue the roll this fall. Jacob Thorpe examines the special teams in this spring football story. … Elsewhere in the Pac-12, Washington is keeping part of its basketball recruiting class. … Arizona received a commitment from the son of an NBA all-time great. … The exodus continues at Oregon, with Jordan Bell leaving. … USC received some good news as forward Chimezie Metu has decided to stay. … There is little in the way of good news around California’s program right now. … On the football side of things, Jon Wilner looks at a new contract that is a game changer for the conference. … Some veteran Oregon players are trying to take advantage of a new chance. … Oregon State is still trying to decide who will play quarterback.

Gonzaga: Of course, Williams-Goss’ decision is front and center today, with Jim Meehan covering the nuts and bolts and John Blanchette examining in this column how the decision effects those staying behind. … We also can pass along a photo gallery centered on Williams-Goss. … A Gonzaga athlete earns a WCC award. … BYU has received a commitment from a well-traveled freshman guard.

EWU: Jim Allen returns to examining the positions in his spring football series, today looking at the offensive line. … Texas Tech announced yesterday the game with Eastern had been switched to a Sunday. It was a premature announcement. It’s staying on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Idaho: The Vandals will once again bring the NCAA basketball tournament to Spokane, hosting the 2020 first- and second-round games in the Arena.

Preps: You know what the weather has been like, right? Well, it’s been especially bad for Mt. Spokane’s baseball team, which still has yet to play a home game. Though it hasn’t mattered. The Wildcats are undefeated. Greg Lee has the story. … Jim Allen takes a look at a big GSL soccer showdown today.

Mariners: The M’s were this close to being no-hit last night, until Mitch Haniger came through with a ninth-inning double. Still, the Marlins won 5-0. Dave Nichols has his Mariners Log and you can find the links there.

Seahawks: Richard Sherman and other veterans were not at the voluntary workout yesterday. Is this a big deal? … If Marshawn Lynch is going to play with the Raiders next season, something may need to happen soon.

Sounders: Seattle is struggling to score, which isn’t a good thing.

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• When it comes to leaving school early for a job, I get it. I also understand why some choose to stay. It’s always a tough decision, oftentimes accompanied by emotion for all parties. But the bottom line is only the people who have to make the decision matter. Others’ opinions are, in the long run, irrelevant. It will be interesting, however, to see how everything plays out for these young men over the next few years. Hopefully, at the end of that time frame, they will be certain they made the correct choice. Regrets are a pain in the neck. Until later …