Khalif Battle hypes Gonzaga's NBA pipeline as Chet Holmgren, Andrew Nembhard clash in Finals: “Can’t name an unsuccessful Zag at the next level”

Gonzaga's Khalif Battle worked out with the Sacramento Kings on Friday and reportedly has 12-14 more teams eyeing his skillset. The guard spoke with the media after his session. He expressed that he is leveraging his selflessness, toughness, defense and team-first mentality to earn an NBA spot.

Battle, a 2024-25 All-WCC team member, highlighted the pedigree of the Bulldogs in the big league.

"Yeah, my whole decision on going there was strictly for this moment right here," he said. "I think that I can’t name an unsuccessful Zag at the next level. I think all of us are doing great."

"And I think my size and ability ... I'm one of the prototypical guards to be playing on the next level ... I think being a Zag was the best decision I ever made."

Khalif Battle's comments about Gonzaga's NBA pipeline hold weight. The school has produced players like Rui Hachimura, Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Suggs and more. Two of its alums, Chet Holmgren and Andrew Nembhard, are currently battling for the NBA championship in the finals.

Despite being recruited by schools like UConn, USC and UCLA, Battle began his college career with the Butler Bulldogs. His decision came purely to eliminate distractions and focus on basketball. He then played three years with the Temple Owls and a season with Arkansas before landing on Mark Few's roster.

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Khalif Battle recalls meeting Domantas Sabonis

After his workout with the Sacramento Kings, a media representative asked Khalif Battle whether he had pondered pairing up with Domantas Sabonis, a former Zag. The guard immediately highlighted the Lithuanian player's first impressions.

"Yeah, I met him twice already, he came in," Battle said. "He's one of one though. I call people like that unicorn. You don't see too many of those around.

"He's an amazing player, an amazing person. So, to be on a team with him would be an honor for me because he's the definition of what a true Zag is."

Khalif Battle averaged 13.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals last season while making 44.0% of his attempts. He is expected to be picked late in the second round of the NBA draft.