In a major shakeup for Gonzaga's backcourt plans, German guard Jack Kayil has decided to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft, forgoing his commitment to the Bulldogs. The 20-year-old, who signed with Gonzaga last November, was expected to be a potential starter alongside returning point guard Mario Saint-Supery for the 2026-27 season.
Kayil's decision, first reported by DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony, comes after an impressive season with Alba Berlin in Germany's top league. While mock drafts have been mixed on his draft stock—he's not a consensus first or second-round pick—Givony notes Kayil is receiving "first-round feedback" following his standout professional campaign.
The 6-foot-5 combo guard was invited to this week's NBA Draft Combine in Chicago but couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts with Alba Berlin's playoff run. His professional season just wrapped up the regular season on Sunday, and the team is now preparing for the Bundesliga playoffs.
Kayil's draft positioning remains fluid. He's currently ranked No. 49 on ESPN's Top 100 big board, which would put him in mid-to-late second-round territory. But his production this season—averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in Bundesliga play—suggests he could climb boards as teams get a closer look.
His shooting splits show room for growth: 40% from the field and 34.4% from three in league play, with slightly lower numbers in Champions League competition. For a guard his size, those are respectable but not elite percentages, which may explain the draft uncertainty.
This decision comes at a critical juncture in the draft calendar. International players have until June 13 to withdraw, while college players face a May 27 deadline. Kayil's choice to stay in the draft leaves Gonzaga scrambling to fill a significant hole in their backcourt rotation.
Without Kayil, the spotlight turns to Houston transfer Isiah Harwell, who now becomes an immediate candidate to start. Harwell was a top-20 recruit coming out of Utah's Wasatch Academy but struggled to find minutes at Houston, averaging just 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds as a freshman.
The Zags aren't out of options, though. They may turn to the transfer portal or look overseas to address their backcourt depth. They've already added Arizona State center Massamba Diop and reportedly secured a commitment from Spanish forward/center Izan Almansa, who brings G League and international experience from Australia and Spain.
For Gonzaga fans, this is a setback but not a season-ender. The program has a history of reloading through transfers and international talent, and with a few more moves, they could still field a competitive backcourt for 2026-27.