Dave Boling: You heard it here first (for like the seventh time) — this will be Gonzaga’s breakthrough year

Nov. 1—If you’re going on past performance, you may be inclined to dismiss the following commentary.

I’ve written half a dozen columns over the years predicting that the impending college basketball season would climax with Gonzaga players parading with nets around their necks, proudly passing the NCAA Tournament championship trophy among them.

Those weren’t exactly out-on-a-limb opinions. The Zags men are always in the tournament and have not only made lengthy stays, but have advanced to the title game twice.

Something always got in the way. A sprained ankle here, some dubious foul calls there. Sometimes just bad matchups against powerful teams.

Even random things, like one of their best chances getting canceled by a global pandemic.

I won’t be foolish enough to suggest they capture the title this year because of karma debt or that the spinning wheel of good fortune and lucky bounces finally comes their way.

They’re a good pick this year because they are skilled, experienced and extremely versatile in the way they can attack defenses and counter matchups.

And the roster, top to bottom, seems on the rise.

The guys who stayed were trending upward on the way to their Sweet 16 in March.

And those who were brought in have intriguing skills and seemed to have been acquired with specific intent, being just the right pieces to complete the roster puzzle.

Not to forget the head coach, Mark Few, who spent the summer with the USA Olympic team in Paris. Don’t you think the experience of coaching LeBron James, Steph Curry, etc., should leave some residual gold dust he can sprinkle on this year’s Zags?

Yes, the absence of quintessential Zag Anton Watson is a loss. But it’s the only one, and it can be mitigated.

A couple of reasons for this being the year:

Four starters return. The group is so veteran that post Graham Ike has the least game experience (80 games), joining Ben Gregg (106 games), Nolan Hickman (104 games) and Ryan Nembhard (99 games).

They’re not just experienced, they’re now…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/dave-boling-heard-first-seventh-035900656.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-11-02 03:59:00

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