x
Breaking News
More () »

Julian Strawther staying in NBA Draft, Steele Venters returning to college at Gonzaga

Julian Strawther and Steele Venters both made a decision on their futures in basketball ahead of Wednesday's NBA Draft withdrawal deadline.
Credit: AP

SPOKANE, Wash. — With Wednesday's NBA Draft withdrawal deadline approaching, a pair of Gonzaga players have made a decision on their future in basketball.

Junior forward Julian Strawther has decided to stay in the NBA Draft and Eastern Washington sophomore guard/forward transfer Steele Venters has decided to remain in college. 

On Friday at a Golden State Warriors workout, Strawther hinted at the idea that he would remain in the draft when asked about Wednesday's deadline he responded with "Right now, I'm 100% locked in on the draft." 

On Tuesday Stadium's Jeff Goodman reported that the decision has become final for the Las Vegas native. 

Strawther is coming off a season where he was an All-WCC First Team selection after averaging 15.2 points per game, a 40.2% three point percentage, 6.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 assists per game.

The loss of Strawther opens the door for Venters to transition to a starting role with the Bulldogs.

Venters helped lead the Eastern Washington Eagles to a 23-11 record during the 2022-23 season by averaging 15.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and shooting 45.7% from the floor. The EWU standout's season fell short with a Big Sky Conference Tournament loss to Northern Arizona University and a win over Washington State University 81-74 in the NIT tournament.  

Venters arrives at Gonzaga with two year of college eligibility remaining.  

As Wednesday's 8:59 p.m. PT deadline approaches, Gonzaga forward Anton Watson and guard Malachi Smith have yet to announce a decision on their NBA Draft status. Washington State guard Justin Powell is the sole Cougar who has yet to announce a decision. 

KREM ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP 
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE

HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE 

ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.

Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com

Before You Leave, Check This Out