Sabonis returns to Gonzaga for special honor after unprecedented donation

Domantas Sabonis starred for the Bulldogs from 2014-16 and now plays for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. He and his wife, Shashana, made a “transformative and significant gift commitment” to Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program, according to the university.

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UPDATED: Fri., July 10, 2026

During the dedication of the Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center, former Zag and current NBA player Domantas Sabonis speaks to the crowd gathered Thursday inside the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement in Spokane.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
After the dedication of The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center, former Zag and current NBA player Domantas Sabonis, on right, greets Zags forward Braden Huff, Thursday inside the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement. The strength and conditioning facility that houses Gonzaga's men's and women's basketball players has been renamed to honor Sabonis who recently pledged a "transformative gift" in support of the men's basketball program.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
After the dedication of the Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center, former Zag and now NBA player Domantas Sabonis, center, has a photo taken with the Gonzaga basketball team Thursday inside the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement in Spokane. The strength and conditioning facility that houses Gonzaga’s men’s and women’s basketball players has been renamed to honor Sabonis, who recently pledged a “transformative gift” in support of the men’s basketball program.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Domantas Sabonis, with his wife Shashana and children Tauras, 1, Eleven Rose, 3, and Tiger, 4, listen to Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few talk about Sabonis’ time as a Zag before the dedication of the Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Rev
In this 2016 photo, Gonzaga's Domantas Sabonis roars with delight after a call goes the Zags way in the second half, March 25, 2016, at the United Center in Chicago.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
In this March 19, 2016 phoo, GU's Domantas Sabonis celebrates with fans after beating Utah at the Pepsi Center in the NCAA Second Round in Denver, Co.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
In this March 19, 2016 photo, GU's Domantas Sabonis rips a rebound away from Utah's Isaiah Wright in the second half at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Co.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo