Colgate transfer Braeden Smith signs financial aid agreement with Gonzaga
May 26—Braeden Smith started his week with an official visit to Spokane and ended it by signing a financial aid agreement with Gonzaga.
Two days after announcing his commitment to Mark Few’s program, the Colgate transfer and reigning Patriot League Player of the Year officially signed with Gonzaga, according to a school news release.
Smith is the fourth transfer to join Gonzaga this offseason, following Pepperdine wing Michael Ajayi, Arkansas guard Khalif Battle, and Tarleton State forward Emmanuel Innocenti. Ajayi is currently exploring professional options and has yet to decide whether he’ll remain in the NBA Draft or return to school for the 2024-25 season.
A Seattle Prep graduate, Smith has two years of eligibility left but plans to redshirt next season. This will allow him to learn behind returning player Ryan Nembhard and step into the starting point guard role in 2025-26.
During his sophomore season at Colgate, Smith averaged 12.5 points, 5.6 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, leading the Raiders to their second consecutive Patriot League Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth. He started in all 70 games he played over the past two seasons, earning Patriot League All-Rookie honors as a freshman and Player of the Year honors last season.
During Smith’s time at Colgate, the Raiders had an overall record of 51-19, losing only three conference games. Smith led the Patriot League in assists and steals last season while finishing in the top 10 in points and top 15 in rebounds.
With Smith’s addition, Gonzaga has now used 12 of its 13 scholarships for next season. If Ajayi decides to stay in the NBA Draft, the Bulldogs will have two scholarships available. Early draft entrants have until Wednesday to withdraw their name to retain their college eligibility.
