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Gonzaga Basketball

Key matchup: Denver’s Ronnie Harrell a versatile offensive threat

Denver’s Ronnie Harrell played against the Zags and Zach Norvell Jr. in December 2017 when Harrell was with Creighton. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Denver’s Ronnie Harrell played against the Zags and Zach Norvell Jr. in December 2017 when Harrell was with Creighton. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Denver’s Ronnie Harrell Jr. is familiar with the McCarthey Athletic Center. Harrell played three seasons for Creighton before joining his hometown school as a graduate transfer. He had six points and eight rebounds in the Bluejays’ 91-74 loss to GU in December 2017.

Harrell is a versatile 6-foot-7, 200-pound guard/forward. He made six 3-pointers in a victory over Montana State on Tuesday. He leads the Pioneers in points per game (14.3), field goals, 3-pointers and free throws and he’s second in assists.

Harrell was joined in Tuesday’s starting lineup by 6-9, 245-pound Tory Stewart-Miller and 6-8, 230-pound Donoven Carlisle. If Denver goes with the same five, GU’s Corey Kispert or Zach Norvell Jr. will probably draw the defensive assignment on Harrell. If Denver goes smaller, it’ll probably be Brandon Clarke or Rui Hachimura.