ESPN's Seth Greenberg: Gonzaga could be a title contender

[Harry0569]

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncbexpe ... cb_xxx_xxx

Gonzaga has a rich basketball tradition, appearing in 17 consecutive West Coast Conference finals and 17 NCAA tournaments over the past 21 years. Since 2004, the Bulldogs have earned one No. 1 seed, one No. 2 seed and two No. 3 seeds in the Big Dance. The program also has produced five first- or second-team All-Americans and a player of the year in Adam Morrison.

Much of this success has come on the back of Mark Few, the nation’s winningest active head coach (80.1 percent). But with all that he’s accomplished through 15 seasons at the helm, I believe the best is yet to come.

Here’s at look at why the 2014-15 Bulldogs may be the top team in school history -- one with a shot to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Recruiting model

Few understands the culture of college basketball and has adapted his recruiting model with the times. The Bulldogs will redshirt players with upside as well as recruit across all platforms. They are attractive to high school prospects, have developed a niche internationally and have recently entered the transfer market.

The Gonzaga brand is strong and enables Few and his staff to recruit players above the WCC. This past season they signed ESPN 100 prospect Josh Perkins, a 6-foot-3, physical, fast and athletic point guard who can push the ball and defend. He was recruited by a multitude of high-major programs, including UCLA.

Gonzaga was one of the first to recruit international players, specifically from Canada and Europe. This season’s roster has five international players, including incoming freshman Domantas Sabonis (son of former NBA player and international star Arvydas Sabonis). Domantas (6-10) is a potential difference-maker who will give Gonzaga depth and another skilled frontcourt player.

This year’s squad also will be shaped by the transfers added, both traditional and nontraditional. Not only did Few add Kentucky transfer Kyle Wiltjer (10.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2012-13), but he signed fifth-year seniors Byron Wesley (USC, UNLV) and Eric McClellan (Vanderbilt). Wesley, a 6-5 wing, averaged 17.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season as a Trojan. A big, athletic wing, he is a perfect complement to guards Gary Bell Jr. and Kevin Pangos. McClellan (14.3 PPG) must pass classes to receive an NCAA waiver, but if eligible, the 6-4 physical, athletic, slashing guard will give Few another mature and experienced ball handler who can score.

Mature and deep roster

Gonzaga will have two four-year starters (Bell and Pangos) in its backcourt and a fifth-year transfer (Wesley) at the wing spot. Upfront the Bulldogs will have a fourth-year junior in Wiltjer and an almost 21-year-old center, both of whom are skilled and have high basketball IQs. They will be able to have a rotation of nine players and should play an effective man-to-man defense or a big, physical zone.

Backcourt

Gonzaga has a versatile, mature and deep roster. Pangos and Bell combined to average 25.4 points and 5.3 assists last season. The former has a great feel for the game and can shoot the ball consistently from the NBA 3-point line. Last season, Pangos played hurt and was still one of the best guards in the West. Bell runs the floor well and is an improved playmaker and lockdown defender. He’s incredibly efficient, helping the Bulldogs to a 1.10 points-per-possession average when he’s on the floor (95th percentile last season).

They'll be joined in the backcourt by freshman Perkins and USC transfer Wesley. Perkins will give Gonzaga depth at the point guard spot while the athletic and slashing Wesley rebounds his position (6.4 per contest) and is a proven wing scorer. Kyle Dranginis gives the Bulldogs a solid role player and 3-point shooter off the bench.

Frontcourt

Gonzaga Bulldogs
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY SportsGonzaga center Przemek Karnowski averaged 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds a game last season.
Up front, 7-1 Przemek Karnowski (10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game) is a mountain masquerading as a man. The Poland native is a terrific passer and an immovable object in the low post. He protects the basket (7.0 effective block percentage), can score on the block and rebounds his area. He’ll be joined by Kentucky transfer Wiltjer, who is a pick-and-pop stretch power forward who has the ability to spread the floor as well as post up and shoot over smaller forwards.

The addition of Sabonis was a huge get for Gonzaga. Last season, he played 10 minutes a game for Unicaja Malaga in the Spanish ACB league, the best in Europe. The lefty is an active rebounder who plays hard. He has a high basketball IQ and is an excellent passer like his father. He has good footwork in the low post, and on the perimeter he has a quick first step for a player 6-10. Although he needs to get stronger, his international experience will be extremely valuable in his transition. Angel Nunez, a 6-8 hybrid forward, gives Few an active, versatile player off the bench.

Possible concerns for Gonzaga

On paper, this is the most talented team in Gonzaga history. But they still will need to translate that potential on the floor. If they handle the following, they will be a team that can make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

1. Defense and rebounding

Is the frontcourt tough enough and athletic enough? Karnowski, Wiltjer and Sabonis could all struggle in ball-screen defense as well as in defensive transition. Both areas could also potentially expose Bell and Pangos to foul trouble. How will they replace Sam Dower’s rebounding? Karnowski grabs missed shots in his area, but the Zags will miss Dower’s 7.2 rebounds a game. Wesley is a very good rebounder from the wing and will need to come back and help on the glass. Wiltjer must be committed to rebounding both offensively and defensively.

2. Cohesiveness

Chemistry has always been a strong suit for Few’s teams. Players typically champion and embrace their roles at Gonzaga. But how will the addition of Wiltjer and Wesley affect team chemistry? Pangos and Bell play with confidence and without ego, but anytime you add two potential volume shooters to the mix, chemistry becomes a concern. Which players will give themselves up for the good of the group? Dower and guard David Stockton were selfless and winning players. It’ll be interesting to see how the one-and-done Wesley and potentially McClellan fit into Gonzaga’s team-first culture.

3. Schedule

Gonzaga always plays a challenging nonconference schedule in November and December, and this season will be no different. The Zags have road games at UCLA and Arizona along with home games against Memphis and Southern Methodist as well as in-state foe Washington State. The Bulldogs also travel to New York City in late November for the NIT Season Tip-Off, where they’ll play Georgia and either Minnesota or St. John’s. Playing outside their comfort zone helps Few and his staff better identify weakness that need to be addressed throughout the season.

The real concern is come January in league play. Except for Saint Mary’s and BYU, the Bulldogs will not be challenged by the type of size and athleticism they will face in the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. Will they be game tested in time-and-score situations? There is no doubt pressure every time they play a league game, as Gonzaga is everybody's biggest opponent.

If Few & Co. can successfully navigate the WCC and maximize their talent and depth, a deep NCAA tournament run is likely in store.

[Harry0569]

Since we are playing them, I thought I'd post.

[CoxMustangFan]

This is going to be one of the best teams Zaga's had in a while (and that's saying something). High risk, high reward for SMU.

[lwjr]

Wish I could go to that game

[ojaipony]

Wish we had them at Moody this year.

[floridianstang]

Wish we had them at Moody this year.

We get them as well as Michigan next year, correct?