“This isn’t a goodbye, this is a see you later” - Drew Timme talks about his time with Gonzaga after exiting March Madness
Drew Timme has been one of the most popular names in college basketball for the past four years. The Gonzaga standout has had one of the most successful collegiate careers, which includes being a three-time consensus All-American, two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year and becoming the program leader for most points in Gonzaga history.
His impressive career may have come to an end as Gonzaga was knocked out of this year's NCAA Tournament by the UConn Huskies. The Bulldogs suffered an 82-54 loss in the Sweet 16 to put an end to their season and possibly Timme's college career.
Following the loss, Drew Timme had a heartfelt press conference in which he reflected on his time in the program. Timme had nothing but positive things to say about Gonzaga and kept the door open for his future.
"I'll do anything for Gonzaga, I always will," Timme said. "I mean this isn't a goodbye, this is a see you later. I always want to be around the program. (Possibly) coach, like it's a special place, it's a special program and you know, I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else. I loved it here."
"I'm just so thankful that a program and a place took me for who I was. They didn't ask me to be anybody but myself... I'll do anything for Gonzaga, I always will. This isn't a goodbye, this is a see you later."
Drew Timme reflects on his https://t.co/VdsNfytwEZ… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
What is Drew Timme's future?
The 22-year-old will have some difficult decisions to make over his future in the next few months. Timme still does technically have one year of eligibility remaining so could return to Gonzaga if he desires.
There are wide-ranging opinions on Drew Timme's NBA future. It is undeniable that the success he has had at the collegiate level is undeniable, but it is also unclear if this will translate into the pros. Throughout his four-year career at Gonzaga, he has averaged 17.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 2.4 apg and saw his role grow each season.
While he has exceeded expectations throughout his college career, there are concerns about his lack of athleticism and shooting. Timme has never attempted more than 28 3-point attempts in a season and primarily operates out of the post. As the NBA continues to put an emphasis on perimeter shooting, high pace and guard-dominant play, it is difficult to project a role for Timme.
The 6-foot-10 big man will likely test the NBA draft waters as it inches closer, and will have a chance to hear his name get called in the second round. Regardless, it is clear he will remember his time at Gonzaga fondly and his story is not done being written there in one way or another.