The Gonzaga Bulldogs 2026-27 roster has added a familiar last name from nearby Gonzaga Prep, 6-5 wing Carter Nilson, out of the 2026 recruiting class. This report comes from Andy Patton of Gonzaga Bulldogs on SI.
Carter is the son of Mike Nilson, the 1999-2000 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Mike was a walk-on recruit himself with the Zags back in 1996. He spent 20 years as the Director of Performance and Nutrition for the Gonzaga Athletic Department after his playing days, ending his professional tenure just recently in 2025.
As for Carter, the incoming college freshman was a key part of the 2024-25 WIAA 4A state championship team (beat the Glacier Peak Grizzlies at the Tacoma Dome, 62-50) and 2025-26 WIAA 4A state runner-up team (lost to the undefeated 28-0 Richland Bombers at the Tacoma Dome, 63-49) with the Bullpups on Euclid Avenue in Spokane, Washington. The Bulldog in the making averaged 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game during his senior season.
The upcoming group under coach Mark Few is now at 11 of the 15 available spots filled, including two walk-ons with Nilson and redshirt freshman guard Alonzo Metz. Still more work needs to be done with Gonzaga’s backcourt depth before the season officially begins.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
