Subscribe now
Gonzaga Basketball

Freshman guard Marcus Shaver Jr. helps fuel Pilots’ offense

Portland guard Marcus Shaver Jr. (10) drives to the basket while defended by Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash., Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. (Young Kwak / Associated Press)
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

True freshman guard Marcus Shaver Jr. has been the Pilots’ top scoring threat through eight WCC games. Shaver, re-inserted into the starting lineup two games ago, is averaging 10.8 points in conference and 11.3 overall.

Shaver’s shooting numbers aren’t eye-catching (40.6 percent field goal, 26.4 percent 3-point), but the 6-foot-2 guard has been a resourceful scorer. The Zags saw it first-hand ago when Shaver had 16 points in 20 minutes in GU’s blowout victory two weeks ago.

Shaver, point guard JoJo Walker, wing Josh McSwiggan and sixth-man Franklin Porter are the Pilots’ top four scorers. Gonzaga counters defensively with Josh Perkins, Silas Melson and Zach Norvell Jr., with Perkins or Melson the most likely options on Shaver.