Forward Ben Gregg, fresh off fulfilling his goal of playing basketball at Gonzaga, is now pursuing the next challenge on his basketball checklist: playing in the NBA.
More specifically, for the Portland Trail Blazers, whom the former Clackamas High School star grew up following and worked out for on Tuesday.
“It would be a dream come true,” Gregg said following his workout at the Blazers’ Tualatin practice facility. “Going to Gonzaga was a dream for me. If I was able to play here, it would be a crazy life I was able to live.”
The Blazers worked out six players Tuesday ahead of the June 25-26 NBA draft. Headlining the group was Gregg, who played high school basketball at Columbia Christian before transferring to Clackamas.
Gregg said he attended many Blazers games growing up and was thrilled to work out in a Rip City uniform.
“It was cool being back home and being able to play in this building,” Gregg said. “It was weird staying in the hotel last night, not in my own bed. But it was a fun experience for me.”
Gregg played five seasons at Gonzaga, appearing in 141 games with 39 starts. Last season, the 6-foot-10 Gregg started 20 of 35 games and averaged 9.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Gregg entered his name into the transfer portal, hoping to receive an extra season of eligibility should the NCAA’s eligibility rules change. The pending House vs. NCAA antitrust settlement reportedly could result in athletes receiving five years of eligibility instead of four. Gregg played five seasons at Gonzaga, but his first season in 2020-21 did not count toward his eligibility clock because of the pandemic.
Ben Gregg
Former Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg speaks with the media following a predraft workout for the Portland Trail Blazers at their practice facility in Tualatin, Oregon, on June 3, 2025. Photo by Aaron Fentress/The OregonianAaron Fentress
However, Gregg said he has given up hope of receiving another year to play college basketball and is all in with trying to turn professional.
“It’s not looking like it’s going to happen, so all of my focus is right here, right now,” Gregg said.
Gregg isn’t projected to be selected during the draft, but he could catch on as an undrafted free agent and play in the G League next season. Maybe with the Rip City Remix.
He offers good size, rebounding and scoring ability (57.1% shooting last season), but must improve his three-point accuracy and defense against more athletic players.
Gregg shot just 27.1% from long distance last season after hitting on 37.7% as a junior. His career percentage is 34.1%.
“Just wanted to prove that I can still shoot the ball, and it was kind of an off year for me,” he said. “And I did a good job of that today.”
Gregg, who was scheduled to work out for Boston on Wednesday, said he has to pinch himself when considering working out for NBA teams and in front of NBA legends. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was on hand Tuesday, along with former Blazers forward Brian Grant.
Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge were Gregg’s favorite players growing up, which made wearing the same uniform they donned years ago special.
“It was very surreal for me,” he said. “Just tried to make the most of it.”
When asked if Roy’s No. 7 jersey number should be retired, Gregg didn’t hesitate.
“You gotta retire it,” he said. “He’s a legend.”
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