Rival-coach former Gonzaga standout set to present Mark Few at Naismith Hall of Fame induction

Gonzaga head coach Mark Few will be officially enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next month as part of the Hall’s 2026 class, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. The induction ceremony includes an additional spotlight on Few’s game-day relationships and on-court rivalries, with a former Gonzaga star who is now a rival coach scheduled to present him.

Few’s Hall of Fame candidacy is tied to how Gonzaga built its modern national identity. Over the years, the Bulldogs have become a consistent postseason force under his direction, with Few’s program known for disciplined execution, recruiting reach beyond the immediate region, and a style of play that has often translated into March success. His induction places a longtime college coaching centerpiece among basketball’s all-time honored figures.

The choice of presenter also underscores the interconnected nature of elite coaching circles and the way Few’s Gonzaga program has shaped opponents’ schedules and preparation. The report specifically points to “a former Gonzaga star, rival coach” as the individual tasked with making the introduction during the ceremony, adding a competitive edge to the recognition.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be enshrined together, meaning Few’s night will be part of a broader showcase for players, coaches, and contributors across different eras. Hall ceremonies typically draw attention not only from fans, but also from basketball executives and current coaches, because they offer a snapshot of the sport’s evolving standards for excellence.

For Gonzaga, the Hall recognition functions as a capstone to a coaching tenure that has defined the program’s national brand. It also matters for recruiting and program continuity, since player prospects and transfer targets often weigh what a school represents, how it develops, and how its coaching staff is viewed on a national stage.

What to watch next is how Gonzaga’s offseason plans align with the ceremonial timeline, and whether the program uses the moment to reinforce its identity as it moves into the next season cycle. The presenter detail, in particular, is the one piece fans may be most eager to confirm and follow, because it connects the induction to the personal and competitive history surrounding Few’s era at Gonzaga.