Steele Venters overcame 1,000 days away from basketball and devastating back-to-back injuries to finally suit up for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Can the elite sharpshooter from Eastern Washington become the floor-spacing weapon the Zags desperately need?

Andy Patton breaks down Venters' remarkable journey from zero-star recruit to Big Sky Player of the Year, his torn ACL and Achilles injuries that cost him two full seasons, and his return to action in the 2025-26 campaign. The analysis covers Venters' best and worst case scenarios, his projected role as a three-point specialist off the bench, defensive limitations against elite competition, and future eligibility questions for the 2026-27 season. Key discussions include his exhibition performances, the rotation battle with Davis Fogle and other wings, and whether his professional basketball dreams remain viable after the injury-plagued years.

Discover how Venters' sharpshooting could reshape the Zags' offensive spacing and bench production this season.

Written work covering Gonzaga at SI: https://www.si.com/college/gonzaga

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