Gonzaga eyes elite transfer shooter after down year from deep
After posting its worst three-point shooting season under head coach Mark Few, the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball are targeting one of the top perimeter threats in the transfer portal.
Ethan Copeland, a Sunnyside, Washington native, recently connected with Gonzaga via Zoom as the program looks to address its outside shooting struggles ahead of the 2026–27 season. He has also spoken with programs like Loyola Marymount and Pacific, while drawing interest from schools including VCU and Marshall.
The 6-foot-2 guard began his college career in the junior college ranks, spending time at Utah State Eastern and Salt Lake Community College before transferring to Stetson for the 2025–26 season. In his first year at the Division I level, Copeland made an immediate impact, averaging 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals over 33 games.
His standout skill is his shooting from beyond the arc. Copeland knocked down 42.9% of his three-point attempts on high volume, making 109 triples—one of the top marks nationally and more than double Gonzaga’s leading returner from last season.
Gonzaga’s need for shooting is clear after finishing last season at just 33.3% from three, the lowest mark of Few’s tenure. While the coaching staff is also prioritizing adding size in the frontcourt to pair with Braden Huff, perimeter shooting remains a major focus as the team prepares for its transition into a revamped Pac-12.
The Zags return key contributors like Mario Saint-Supery, Huff, and Davis Fogle, while also bringing in a freshman class and Houston transfer Isiah Harwell. Still, with limited proven shooting on the roster, Copeland’s ability to stretch the floor could be a major boost, helping create better scoring opportunities inside and adding experience to a young backcourt.
Gonzaga is expected to stay active in the portal, with multiple roster spots still open as they continue to evaluate options, including Copeland and other transfer targets.
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