Zags officially add French guard to mix

Mathis Keita, a 6-foot-5 guard from France, has officially joined the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.

Keita committed to Gonzaga months ago, but it took some time to complete academic and eligibility requirements. He was cleared by the NCAA’s eligibility center last week and he’s expected to arrive in Spokane on Thursday.

“He’s an aggressive guard,” GU assistant coach Tommy Lloyd said. “He’s got a ton of international experience and he’s played with the French junior national team. He’s very good defensively, a good all-around player.”

Keita is capable of playing any of the guard positions. He attended Insep, the French national institute of physical education that includes ex-Zag Ronny Turiaf among its graduates.

The Bulldogs also have a commitment from Mathis Monninghoff, who is believed to be near the completion of the NCAA eligibility center process. The 6-foot-7 German is an athletic wing with perimeter shooting ability, somewhat in the mold of ex-Bulldog Micah Downs. Monninghoff has extensive international experience and served as captain of Germany’s U-18 national team this summer.