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Zags make it official,

announce signing of Gilder

SPOKANE — Admon Gilder, a graduate transfer from Texas A&M, signed a financial aid agreement to attend Gonzaga University and will join the men’s basketball team for the 2019-20 season.

“Gonzaga has the same values that I have for myself and my family, Coach Few has for the entire program,” Gilder said. “It felt like a family when I was there.”

Gilder, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard, will graduate from Texas A&M. He will be immediately eligible to play as a grad transfer.

“He is a high-level guy that brings a lot of experience,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “He is an all-around player that will be a great fit to our team.”

Gilder is No. 6 in ESPN’s ranking of graduate transfers. He sat out last season with a blood clot in his right biceps. He’s been cleared to return to basketball.

Gilder averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 2017-18, helping Texas A&M reach the Sweet 16. He averaged 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists as a sophomore. He’s started 58 of 98 career games.

Cougars sign JUCO

transfer Bonton

PULLMAN — Isaac Bonton, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard from Casper College, has signed a national letters of intent and will join the Washington State men’s basketball program beginning with the 2019-20 season, Cougar coach Kyle Smith announced.

Bonton led Casper to a 32-3 record and a berth at the NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

Bonton, from Portland, played 11 games at Montana State as a freshman in 2017-18 before transferring in December of 2017.

Bonton will have two years of eligibility and be immediately eligible to play.

WSU men’s basketball team to play in 2019 Cayman Islands Classic

Washington State’s men’s basketball team will compete in the 2019 Cayman Islands Classic, Nov. 25-27, 2019 at John Gray Gymnasium at George Town, Grand Cayman, it was announced.

“With this field, we will be tested to say the least,” WSU coach Kyle Smith said. “In addition, I love to snorkel…It is always great for our young men to experience different climates and cultures. No one on our team has ever been to the Cayman Islands.”

The Cougars will be joined by Colorado State, George Mason, Loyola Chicago, Nebraska, New Mexico State, Old Dominion, and South Florida. WSU played New Mexico State at last year’s Las Vegas Classic and Loyola Chicago two years ago at the Paradise Jam. WSU’s first round opponent will be announced at a later date.

Washington State marks the first Pac-12 school to participate in the Cayman Classic, which is in its third year. Last year Creighton won the tournament, while Cincinnati won the first tournament in 2017.

Hayden’s McGuffin defends

US Open pickleball title

Tyson McGuffin of Hayden, the No. 1-ranked professional pickleball player in the world, captured the men’s professional singles title and a gold medal at the 2019 US Open Pickleball Championships at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Fla., April 27-May 4.

McGuffin earned $6,000 for his victory, including $4,000 from Selkirk Sport (he’s a member of Team Selkirk) as part of the company’s 2019 Player Incentive Pool.

Boise State signs

Portland transfer Shaver

BOISE — Marcus Shaver Jr., a 6-2 combo guard who played the last two seasons at the University of Portland, has signed a letter of intent to transfer to Boise State.

Shaver will redshirt the upcoming season and play the following two for Boise State.

“We recruited Marcus out of high school and we are thrilled that he chose to continue his college career at Boise State,” Boise State coach Leon Rice said. “He’s a playmaking guard that has the ability to score in bunches. He’s a dynamic player with a tremendous upside who will excel in our offensive system.”

Shaver led the Pilots in scoring last season, averaging 14.8 points to go with 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He also shot 36 percent from behind the arc while tying for a team-high 52 3-pointers in 2018-19.

Shaver was voted an All-West Coast Conference honorable mention for his efforts, giving him back-to-back seasons with the honor. He made the all-freshman team in 2017-18.