Best Gonzaga basketball players: All-time starting lineup

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) /

4. F Ronny Turiaf (2001-2005)

Let’s shift to the frontcourt for out next starter, forward Ronny Turiaf, who will man the five for Gonzaga’s all-time lineup. Turiaf was yet another four-year player who managed to deliver excellent performances from the moment he arrived on campus.

The Bulldogs saw Turiaf make the All-WCC First Team in his final three years on campus, highlighted by a WCC Player of the Year award as a senior in 2005. As a collegian, Turiaf averaged 13.6 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game, peaking as a senior when he nearly averaged a double-double with 15.9 points per game and 9.5 rebounds a night.

Turiaf left school as the fourth-leading scorer and rebounder in Gonzaga history, setting the stage for a lengthy professional career. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Turiaf in the second round, but the start of his NBA journey was delayed by a heart condition.

Turiaf was eventually cleared to play and made his NBA debut in 2006, spending eight years in the league. The highlight of Turiaf’s career came when he was picked up by the Miami Heat for the stretch run in 2012, allowing Turiaf to win an NBA Championship.

The Bulldogs’ all-time starting five needs a do-it-all big man who isn’t afraid to scrap down low, making Turiaf a natural choice for the lineup. Turiaf may not be the most frequent scorer, but he is a key role player here.