Washington Adds Second Transfer with Former Gonzaga Guard Steele Venters
Washington head coach Danny Sprinkle continued to reshape his roster Wednesday night, bringing in former Gonzaga guard Steele Venters through the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-7 Ellensburg, Washington native becomes the Huskies’ second transfer addition this offseason, joining former Davidson guard Parker Friedrichsen and adding more experience to the backcourt for the 2026–27 season.
Venters began his college career at Eastern Washington, where he played from 2019 to 2023. During that time, he earned First Team All-Big Sky honors as a sophomore after averaging 15.3 points and 2.8 rebounds, helping lead the Eagles to a 23–11 record in the 2022–23 season.
After posting consecutive double-digit scoring seasons, Venters faced setbacks, redshirting two years due to injuries. He returned to action this past season at Gonzaga under head coach Mark Few, appearing in 27 games and starting 10. The Bulldogs won every game he started, and he contributed six points per game while serving as a reliable sixth man with solid defense and playmaking.
Venters and Friedrichsen now provide Sprinkle with two veteran guard options, which is critical given Washington’s current roster makeup. At the moment, junior Wesley Yates III is the only returning starting guard, having averaged 12.7 points per game last season.
Venters’ 6-foot-7 frame also brings much-needed size and defensive versatility to a team that struggled with depth and injuries last year. Those issues left Washington with just seven healthy players late in the season and ultimately led to the program declining postseason participation.
Earlier the same day Venters committed, starting guard Zoom Diallo announced his transfer to Kentucky, potentially opening up more playing time in the backcourt depending on future additions.
With several players returning—including Jasir Rencher, Nikola Dzepina, Lathan Sommerville, Mady Traore, and Yates—along with walk-on Brandon Roy Jr., the Huskies still have significant roster flexibility. Even after adding Venters and Friedrichsen, Washington could have up to eight scholarship spots remaining if Sprinkle chooses to fill all available positions ahead of next season.
Leave a Reply