Let’s rewind to March 11, 2025. The Orleans Arena was absolutely buzzing with 9,812 fans - a record crowd that still stands today - as Gonzaga edged out Saint Mary’s 58-51 to snag the WCC Tournament crown. The final score screamed defensive slugfest, but the night belonged to one man: Khalif Battle. He dropped 17 points, grabbed 6 boards, and locked in on defense. He wasn't just the Player of the Game; he was the Tournament MVP, torching the nets at a blistering 22.0 points per game throughout the entire run. That performance in the #99 jersey wasn't merely a championship moment. It was the springboard for a wild professional journey that’s still unfolding here in August 2026.
📊 [17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals in the WCC final] - Battle's stat line on March 11, 2025, against Saint Mary's was the cornerstone of Gonzaga's 58-51 gritty title win.
From Undrafted to Unstoppable (Almost)
The high of that Vegas night hit a sudden snag months later. Despite the heroics, Battle went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. But this kid doesn't do "setbacks." He signed a two-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets on July 1, 2025, channeling that Vegas confidence into relentless work. Last season, he shuttled between the big league and the G League's Greensboro Swarm. The stats paint a clear picture: a guy too good for the minors, clawing for a permanent NBA spot. He averaged a massive 23.4 points per game with the Swarm. Even in limited NBA burn - 11.4 minutes a night - he chipped in a solid 4.8 points per game. The flashes were there. Consistency was the next step.
| Level | Games Played | PPG | RPG | APG | Min/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBA (Charlotte Hornets) | 12 | 4.8 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 11.4 |
| G League (Greensboro Swarm) | 28 | 23.4 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 32.6 |
📊 [23.4 PPG in the G League] - Battle's scoring explosion with the Greensboro Swarm proved he was too explosive for the minors, forcing the Hornets' hand this offseason.
The Current Roster Battle: A Two-Way Crossroads
Right now, as of August 4, 2026, Battle is the ultimate wildcard in Charlotte’s back pocket. He’s a restricted free agent after the Hornets slapped a $2,187,451 qualifying offer on the table in late June. The front office is clearly invested, but the roster is a logjam. Charlotte currently sits at 15 guaranteed contracts, with Battle’s two-way slot still open for the upcoming season. Tricky spot: does he take the guaranteed security of another two-way deal, or does he bet on himself and force the Hornets to clear a standard roster spot before training camp in September? The fact that he was spotted running an open gym in Vegas with former Gonzaga teammate Graham Ike on August 1 shows he’s staying locked in and ready for whatever comes next.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Signed two-way deal with Charlotte Hornets |
| June 29, 2026 | Hornets extend qualifying offer ($2,187,451) |
| August 4, 2026 | Restricted free agent; two-way slot still open |
The Gonzaga Legacy: A Banner in the Making
While Battle fights for his NBA life, his alma mater is still riding the coattails of that Las Vegas triumph. The Zags’ 2025-26 season ended with a heartbreaking Second Round exit to Arizona in March, but the program’s connection to that championship squad is immortal. Mark Few hasn't formally retired the #99 jersey, but make no mistake: it’s unofficially off the table for future WCC Tournament MVPs. A subtle but powerful gesture that cements Battle’s place in Gonzaga lore. He’s not just a guy who passed through; he’s the standard now for tournament excellence.
