Gonzaga hoping to add talented forward Drew Timme to 2019 recruiting class

Gonzaga’s 2019 recruiting class is off to a strong start with commitments from Anton Watson, Brock Ravet and Martynas Arlauskas.

It could get much stronger by Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.

Drew Timme, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward at J.J. Pearce High in Richardson, Texas, is expected to announce his decision Wednesday morning. He’s choosing between Gonzaga, Texas A&M, Illinois and Alabama. Arizona was among his final five, but he apparently didn’t visit the Wildcats.

Timme’s finalists align closely with third-ranked Gonzaga’s upcoming schedule. The Zags entertain Texas A&M on Thursday and open the Maui Invitational against Illinois on Monday. Results of those games obviously won’t impact Timme, since they’ll come after his decision.

Timme, a skilled forward who can handle the ball and pass, ranks inside the top 60 on numerous recruiting websites.

Timme originally trimmed a long list of suitors to 10: Gonzaga, Texas A&M, Illinois, Alabama, Arizona, Texas Tech, Michigan State, Louisville, Oklahoma and Purdue.

The Zags boast 20 consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament and a track record of success developing versatile forwards. Texas A&M, which has a new-look roster after reaching the Sweet 16 last season, is located in College Station, about 190 miles south of Richardson.

Illinois is trying to end a five-year NCAA Tournament drought under second-year coach Brad Underwood. Alabama is coming off an NCAA round-of-32 appearance last year in coach Avery Johnson’s third season.

Gonzaga will have several scholarship openings. Josh Perkins, Geno Crandall and Jeremy Jones are seniors and center Jacob Larsen left the team last month. NBA franchises are keeping a close eye on junior forwards Rui Hachimura, Killian Tillie and Brandon Clarke. Tillie has been sidelined following ankle surgery but should return in late December or early January.

Watson, a versatile 6-8 forward, helped Gonzaga Prep win the State 4A title last season. The 6-1 Ravet has guided Kittitas High to a pair of State 2B titles. Arlauskas is a 6-7 wing from Lithuania.

Gonzaga is No. 25 in ESPN.com’s 2019 team rankings with its three commitments.

Strawther sets visit

Julian Strawther, a 6-7 wing from Liberty High School in Las Vegas, is expected to visit Gonzaga Feb. 8-10. The Zags entertain Saint Mary’s on Feb. 9.

Strawther, a member of the 2020 class, has visits scheduled with Marquette, Florida, Florida State and Washington.

Guard Dominick Harris, a 2020 guard who committed to Gonzaga last January, is expected to visit Gonzaga later this season.