Gonzaga University Athletics

Jorge Sanz, a key member of Gonzaga's coaching staff since 2018, currently serves as Assistant Coach and Director of Basketball Operations for the Bulldogs. Sanz was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations in 2019, and in 2023, he was elevated to Assistant Coach, serving an expanded role in game preparation, player development and recruiting.

Since Sanz’s arrival, Gonzaga has maintained its elite status in college basketball. The program has captured multiple West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season and tournament championships and reached the NCAA Tournament each year. This stretch includes an undefeated regular season and national runner-up finish in 2021. 

Sanz has been a central figure in integrating advanced analytics into the team’s strategy and training methods. His ability to distill complex data into practical coaching insights has made him an invaluable asset to the staff. Sanz is widely respected for his expertise in basketball analytics, applying advanced metrics to inform coaching strategies, scouting, and player development, helping drive individual and team performance to the highest level. 

Under Sanz's tenure, Gonzaga has produced several NBA talents, reflecting the program's commitment to developing players for professional success:

• Chet Holmgren: Selected second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the highest draft pick in Gonzaga history. In his rookie season, Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, earning All-Rookie honors and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting.
• Jalen Suggs: Drafted fifth overall in 2021 by the Orlando Magic, Suggs signed a five-year, $150.5 million contract extension in 2024. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and has been a key contributor to the Magic's backcourt. 
• Rui Hachimura: Selected ninth overall in 2019 by the Washington Wizards, Hachimura now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Brandon Clarke: Drafted 21st overall in 2019 by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, Clarke was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020.
• Corey Kispert: Selected 15th overall in 2021 by the Washington Wizards, Kispert set the franchise's rookie record for three-pointers made and continues to be a reliable perimeter shooter.
• Andrew Nembhard: Drafted 31st overall in 2022 by the Indiana Pacers, Nembhard emerged as a key player in the Pacers' 2024 playoff run, averaging 24 points and 10 assists in the Eastern Conference Finals. 
• Julian Strawther: Selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Strawther contributed to the team's depth during his rookie season.
• Anton Watson: Drafted 54th overall in 2024 by the Boston Celtics, Watson signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, showcasing his defensive versatility.
• Drew Timme: After becoming Gonzaga’s all-time leading scorer, Timme signed a multi-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He registered a double-double in his NBA debut in 2025.

These successes underscore Gonzaga's reputation for developing NBA-ready talent and highlight Sanz's role in preparing players for the next level.

 A native of Zaragoza, Spain, Sanz has been instrumental in keeping the program’s international allure. He holds the Entrenador Superior certification—the highest coaching qualification in Spanish basketball. He has served as an Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator for various Spanish national youth teams since 2018, helping guide the U17 squad to a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA World Cup and the U18 team to silver at the 2023 European Championships. His international experience brings a global perspective to the Gonzaga program, blending European fundamentals with cutting-edge player development philosophies. 

Prior to his tenure in Spokane, Sanz spent eight seasons at Florida Atlantic University, where he rose from video coordinator to assistant coach. During his time there, he contributed to a Sun Belt Conference regular season title and the program’s first-ever berth in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2010. 

Sanz earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University in 2011, and a Master’s in Sport and Athletic Administration from Gonzaga in 2025. He lives in Spokane with his wife, Franchesca, and their two daughters, Luna and Laia.