SPOKANE, Wash. — Domantas Sabonis has never hidden what Gonzaga means to him. Now, the former Bulldog and three-time NBA All-Star is ensuring future generations of student-athletes have the resources to succeed.
Sabonis and his wife, Shashana, have made a transformative gift to Gonzaga Athletics, resulting in the basketball strength and conditioning facility inside the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement being renamed The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center.
The donation is the largest single gift ever made to Gonzaga Athletics by a former men’s basketball student-athlete.
“I love this place,” Sabonis said. “I want all the athletes that come through here to succeed any way we can help. Hopefully this starts more current NBA players coming back and helping. This place is special, and I feel like every former player feels that way.”
The gift comes as Gonzaga prepares for a new era in the Pac-12 and as college athletics continues to evolve with NIL and revenue sharing placing greater importance on alumni support.
Sabonis said giving back to Gonzaga was about more than honoring his own career.
“I loved my time here,” he said. “It was amazing. I wish my kids one day can be athletes and play here. It’s just a really cool feeling.”
Head coach Mark Few said the ceremony was emotional because of the relationship he’s built with Sabonis since recruiting him more than a decade ago.
“He brought it every single day,” Few said. “He stood for everything Gonzaga is all about—team, winning, toughness. He’s just a first-class guy, comes from a great family and has a great family now. We’re super proud of everything he’s accomplished.”
Few added that Sabonis continues to return to Spokane every offseason to train alongside current Bulldogs, giving players a chance to learn from someone who embodies the culture of the program.
“When it’s a three-time All-Star that stands for everything your program is about, it makes it that much more special,” Few said.
Former teammate Kevin Pangos said the new facility is a fitting tribute for one of Gonzaga’s toughest competitors.
“He’s a beast, so obviously it’s fitting,” Pangos said with a laugh. “But it’s great to see Gonzaga continue to build and grow. Hopefully it inspires and helps the present and future players. That’s essential to continue building what Gonzaga is.”
Pangos believes Sabonis’ decision to invest in the program sends an important message at a time when many college athletes are transferring from school to school.
“It’s huge,” Pangos said. “To see someone come back and show how important the culture is here is special. Gonzaga isn’t just about coming here and leaving. It’s about being present for your entire life and your family coming back as well.”
Sabonis played at Gonzaga from 2014 to 2016, helping lead the Bulldogs to the Elite Eight before declaring for the NBA Draft. He has since become a three-time NBA All-Star with the Sacramento Kings while remaining closely connected to the university.
In addition to the historic donation, Gonzaga announced Sabonis will continue serving the men’s basketball program in a leadership and advisory role, helping mentor future Bulldogs on and off the court.
With the Sabonis family name now permanently attached to Gonzaga’s training facility, one of the greatest players in program history hopes his legacy extends beyond the court and inspires others to give back to the place he still calls home.
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