Bio: Name pronounced JOE-el EYE-yigh-YEE. Product of France’s national institute of sport (INSEP). Standout performer for France in the FIBA U19 World Championships last summer. Finished third in scoring (20.9) and shot 50.9 percent from the field. Four games with at least 25 points to help team finish third. Named to tournament’s All-Star Five team. Averaged 15.7 points and led France to a third-place finish in the FIBA U18 European Championships two years ago. Follows in footsteps of former Zags from France, including Ronny Turiaf, Mamery Diallo, Mathis Keita, Guy Landry Edi and current teammate Killian Tillie. Picked Gonzaga over Georgia Tech. Older sister, Valeriane, played in the WNBA for San Antonio in 2015 and currently a member of French national team. Has dual citizenship (France and Benin). Younger brother Gerald, 18, plays professionally in France. Beninese father played professionally in France and on Benin national team.
Jr Scouting report: The Zags’ second most prolific rebounder (7.0 rpg) despite being only 6’5”. Adjustment to a role off the ball displayed all-around ability as a utility guard with shooting upside. Started every game, averaging 11.3 points and 3.1 assists and ranking second in the WCC in field goal percentage (.584). On Jan. 9, notched the program’s first triple double by scoring 12 points, dishing 14 assists and grabbing 13 rebounds against Portland on the road. One of five finalists for the West Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard.
So Scouting report: Assumed a bigger role on the wing, appearing in 33 games with 23 starts. Averaged 29.4 minutes, 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals. Was eighth in the WCC in rebounds, 11th in assists and 10th in steals.
Fr Scouting report: Played 128 minutes in 23 appearances as a reserve guard. Scored 39 points on 53.1 percent shooting. Grabbed seven boards and scored two points in Kraziness in the Kennel scrimmage.
Fr. Scouting report: Redshirted. Played nine minutes in exhibition win over College of Idaho.
Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi is averaging 12.5 points per game and leads the West Coast Conference in field-goal shooting at 61.7%. (By Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
