Why Gonzaga's starting point guard left for Spain in the middle of the summer

Valencia of the EuroLeague announced it has signed Gonzaga sophomore point guard Mario Saint-Supéry, ending the Bulldogs’ hopes of having an established starter at the position next season. The move arrives after the transfer portal closed, leaving Mark Few’s team preparing for its first Pac-12 season without Saint-Supéry. Saint-Supéry averaged 8.6 points and 3.8 assists as a freshman, shooting 40.3% from three. His departure also leaves Gonzaga without a projected European backcourt that had been expected to complement frontcourt additions. With Jack Kayil gone after being drafted and traded from Houston to the New York Knicks, Valencia’s signing reshapes Gonzaga’s depth. Another European addition, Nathan De Sousa of Cholet, is expected to fill the starting role. Gonzaga also returns Braden Huff and Massamba Diop, while Isiah Harwell could see more minutes. The article notes Saint-Supéry signed a four-year deal in Spain and that Valencia lost guard Sergio De Larrea to the NBA in June.