Every great team has its unsung heroes. At Gonzaga, the walk-ons have long held a special place in the hearts of Bulldogs fans—players who pour their souls into practice, embrace the grind, and celebrate every teammate's success as their own. This season, three such warriors gave everything they had to compete: Joaquim "Q" ArauzMoore, Cade Orness, and Noah Haaland. As they depart the program, it's time to honor their contributions.
The tradition of beloved walk-ons runs deep in Spokane. Rem Bakamus and Dustin Triano became fan favorites without ever logging major minutes. Mike Hart remains the gold standard—arriving as an unknown from Portland's Jesuit High School in 2008, earning a spot after two-day tryouts, and eventually starting on the 2012-13 team that earned Gonzaga's first-ever No. 1 ranking. Hart even captured WCC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Names like Colby Brooks, Jack Beach, Abe Eagle, Will Graves, and Matthew Lang stack up over the years, each earning the Kennel's unwavering support from day one. These are the players who chose Gonzaga just as much as the program chose them—grinding through practice knowing their number might never be called, yet keeping the same energy regardless.
This past season, "Q," Orness, and Haaland embodied that same spirit. None of the three will return next year, whether due to the transfer portal or expired eligibility. But that doesn't diminish their impact on the 2025-26 Bulldogs.
Joaquim "Q" ArauzMoore has been with the program longer than any other walk-on, joining ahead of the 2023-24 season. After redshirting that year, he suited up for the next two campaigns. The 6'1" guard from Ross, California honed his skills in the competitive Northern California circuit—first at Branson School in Marin County before transferring to Southern California Academy. He arrived in Spokane with a reputation as a smart, skilled player who understands winning basketball. His journey from high school standout to Gonzaga walk-on is a testament to his character and determination.
Whether they were diving for loose balls in practice, igniting the bench with their energy, or simply embodying the blue-collar ethos that defines Gonzaga basketball, these three walk-ons left an indelible mark. As the Bulldogs turn the page, fans will remember not just the stars, but the heart and hustle of players like Q, Orness, and Haaland—the ones who gave everything they had to compete.