Guard Jesse Wade transferring from Gonzaga

Guard Jesse Wade will transfer from the Gonzaga men’s basketball program, the school announced.

Wade battled shoulder issues and limited playing time in his one season at Gonzaga.

“I want to thank everyone who has made my time at Gonzaga such a memorable time in my life,” Wade said in a GU release. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the culture at Gonzaga and for all of the incredible memories that I was able to share with such amazing people around me.”

Wade never found a spot in the rotation last season behind guards Josh Perkins, Silas Melson and Zach Norvell Jr. Wade logged 103 minutes in 20 appearances. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Utah native didn’t play in 10 of GU’s final 15 games, including all three NCAA Tournament contests.

Wade, who shot 31 percent from the field, scored a season-high nine points against Howard and played a season-high 19 minutes versus Incarnate Word.

“Jesse is a fantastic young man with high character and strong values,” coach Mark Few said. “He is an incredible teammate who is an exceptionally hard worker and a tremendous role model. We have truly appreciated everything he has given us on and off of the court and enjoyed having Jesse in our program. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Wade committed to the Zags in October 2013. The ESPN.com four-star recruit averaged 26.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a senior at Davis High.

Wade served a two-year Latter-day Saints mission in France before returning to Utah in April 2017. He arrived at Gonzaga last July for summer school and was married a month later.

Wade will have three years of eligibility, but he’s required to sit out next season. He chose Gonzaga over Utah State, San Francisco and UC Riverside.

Gonzaga, which has been in the market for reinforcements at the guard position, has two open scholarships following Wade’s departure. The Zags are hoping to find another ball-handler to back up Perkins.