Kristian Ferrell
Will Graves is a basketball player who previously played for Gonzaga University, appearing in 39 games over three seasons and scoring 25 points with 12 rebounds. He is the son of Kelly Graves, the coach of the No. 2-ranked Oregon women's basketball team, who previously coached Gonzaga's women's basketball team for 14 seasons. Will Graves is from Eugene, Oregon, and played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs as a guard, wearing the number 35 jersey. He later transferred to Southern Oregon University for the 2022-23 season to play closer to home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Will Graves |
| Position | Guard |
| Jersey Number | 35 |
| Height | 6-foot-5-inch |
| Education | South Eugene High School, Lane Community College, Gonzaga University |
| College Basketball Career | 2019-2022 (Gonzaga University), 2022-23 (Southern Oregon University) |
| Games Played | 39 (Gonzaga University), 12 (Gonzaga University) |
| Points | 25 (Gonzaga University), 11 (Gonzaga University), 17 (Nevada) |
| Rebounds | 12 (Gonzaga University) |
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What You'll Learn
Will Graves' transfer to Southern Oregon University
Will Graves, a guard for the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Raiders men's basketball team, transferred to SOU from Gonzaga University, where he played from 2019 to 2022. During his time at Gonzaga, Graves appeared in 39 games over three seasons, compiling 25 points and 12 rebounds.
In his senior year at Gonzaga, Graves saw action in 16 games, playing a total of 30 minutes and recording 11 points, with a season-high of three against Portland.
Following his transfer to SOU, Graves joined a talented Raiders squad and contributed to the team's success on the court. Known for his quickness and scoring ability, he provided a valuable presence on the perimeter, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Graves' decision to transfer to Southern Oregon University allowed him to develop his game further and make an impact in a new basketball program. The move presented a fresh start and the opportunity to work with a different coaching staff, which can be beneficial for personal growth and skill enhancement.
The transfer also brought a change of scenery and a chance to adapt to a new team dynamic, which can be invigorating for a player's career. The experience of joining a new team, establishing himself within a different system, and contributing to the Raiders' success likely contributed to Graves' overall development as a player and individual.
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Will Graves' career at Gonzaga University
Will Graves, a 6-foot-5-inch guard, played for the Gonzaga University men's basketball team from 2019 to 2022. During his three years with the Zags, he appeared in 39 games, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. In his sophomore year, he wore the number 35 jersey and played in 12 of the team's 31 regular-season games, making 4 of 8 shots from the field and 4 of 7 from beyond the three-point line.
Graves, who is from Eugene, Oregon, attended South Eugene High School and started his college basketball career at Lane Community College in his hometown, where he averaged 6.6 points. He then transferred to Gonzaga in 2019, fulfilling his dream of becoming a Zag. He grew up idolizing former Gonzaga stars such as Gary Bell, Kevin Pangos, and Kelly Olynyk, and expressed his love for his teammates, coaches, and fans.
In the 2021-22 season, his senior year, Graves saw action in 16 games, playing a total of 30 minutes. He recorded 11 points, with a season-high of three against Portland. After his time at Gonzaga, Graves transferred to Southern Oregon University for the 2022-23 season, where he played his fifth year of college basketball closer to home.
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Will Graves' relationship with his father, Kelly Graves
Will Graves is the son of Kelly Graves, the former Gonzaga women's basketball coach and current Oregon women's basketball coach. Will's father, Kelly, has coached at several colleges, including Saint Mary's, Portland, Gonzaga, and Oregon, where he transformed a struggling program into a national championship contender. Will, a 6-foot-5-inch sophomore at Gonzaga, wears No. 35 for the Zags and appeared in 12 of 31 regular-season games, making 4 of 7 shots from 3-point range. Will's journey back to Gonzaga, where he walked on to the team, was influenced by his father's relationship with Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Will and Kelly Graves' relationship has been influenced by their shared passion for basketball. Will grew up around the sport, with basketball serving as the central pillar of family life. Kelly tried to remain hands-off when it came to coaching his sons, but he couldn't help but be invested in their journeys as players. Will's older brother, Max, also worked in basketball, opting for a role in player development for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks after initially playing for the women's team at Oregon.
The Graves family's story with basketball took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the NCAA basketball championships. Will and Kelly were on parallel paths toward national titles, with Kelly coaching Oregon and Will playing for Gonzaga. Despite the disappointment of the cancelled championships, the Graves family has experienced the thrill of success in the sport they love. Kelly's Oregon team won the women's Pac-12 tournament, and Will's Gonzaga team reached the WCC Finals.
Will's relationship with his father, Kelly, has been shaped by their shared love of basketball and their parallel journeys in the sport. While their paths have intersected and diverged over the years, their bond as father and son remains strong, with Kelly supporting Will's pursuit of his basketball dreams.
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Will Graves' performance in the 2021-22 season
Will Graves, a guard for the Gonzaga University men's basketball team, had a solid season in 2021-22. He saw action in 16 games, playing a total of 30 minutes across these appearances.
Graves' performance was notable, especially considering the limited playing time he had. He recorded a total of 11 points during the season, with a season-high of three points in a single game against Portland. This included both field goals and free throws, showcasing his ability to score consistently.
In addition to his scoring, Graves also contributed with rebounds and assists. Although the exact numbers are not readily available, his overall impact on the court was positive. His court vision and passing abilities were particularly praised, as he was able to set up his teammates for successful plays.
One of Graves' strengths lies in his versatility. He is capable of playing multiple positions on the court, including guard and forward. This flexibility allowed his team to employ different strategies and adapt to the opposition's tactics. His defensive skills were also commendable, as he displayed quick reflexes and a strong understanding of defensive positioning.
Overall, Will Graves' performance during the 2021-22 season was impressive, especially given the limited playing time available to him. He made the most of his opportunities, contributing to his team's success with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. His versatility and defensive prowess also added to his value as a player.
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Will Graves' high school and freshman year
Will Graves is a basketball player who attended South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon. He then went on to play basketball at Lane Community College in his hometown of Eugene, where he averaged 6.6 points. After his freshman year at Lane Community College, he transferred to Gonzaga University, where he played from 2019 to 2022. During his time at Gonzaga, he appeared in 39 games over three seasons and compiled 25 points and 12 rebounds. In his sophomore year, he stood at 6 feet 5 inches tall and wore the number 35 jersey for the Zags. He appeared in 12 of Gonzaga's 31 regular-season games, scoring a total of 12 points with a scoring average of exactly 1 point.
Will Graves' father, Kelly Graves, is the coach of the Oregon women's basketball team. Will's dream was to become a Zag and play for Gonzaga, which he fulfilled. He expressed his love for his teammates, coaches, and fans. He also mentioned how his heart never left Spokane, Washington, the Gonzaga campus, and "The Kennel," Gonzaga's basketball arena.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Graves wore jersey No. 35 for the Zags.
Will Graves plays as a guard.
Will Graves is from Eugene, Oregon.
Will Graves played his freshman year at Lane Community College in his hometown of Eugene, Oregon before transferring to Gonzaga in 2019.
