The Gonzaga Bulldogs proved their mettle Sunday with a solid victory over 12th ranked Tennessee to become the 2009 Old Spice Classic Champions. The Zags capitalized on better than 50% shooting from the field and a robust zone defense that forced the Vols to turn the ball over 20+ times. Steven Gray finally shook off a nasty case of the bricks and delivered a player of the game performance, nailing 4 0f 6 from behind the arc. Jeremy Pargo was named tournament MVP. Daye was a non-factor, aside from almost tipping the game in the Vols favor with a late-game intentional foul.
It's hard to be critical of the Zags after a game like tonight's--they played 35 great minutes. They did however have double digit turnovers and kind of fell apart when the Vols turned up the heat at the end. I'm concerned about the January match-up in Knoxville. Tennessee was able to keep it in reach, despite the Zags shooting the lights out. Should make for a great game.
I'm not sure which I'm more excited about, the fact that the Zags are champions or that the tournament is over and I won't have to watch any more unfunny Old Spice commercials with LL Cool J or that stupid half man half horse guy. I wonder if a young LL ever thought he would prostitute himself for pit stick?
Zags Drinking Game Update
Drink when the announcers mention:
-Mark Few's winning percentage
-Bouldin being just like another point guard out there
-Ira Brown being a throwback to the old school hard working blue collar-type Zags
-Ira Brown being a former pitcher
-Pargo putting his name into the draft, withdrawing it, and what the scouts told him
Send in your suggestions and I'll update the rules.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Volunteering Is For Suckers
The Zags return today to the Milk House (worst name ever?) to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the championship game of the Old Spice Classic. The two teams will meet again January 7th when they battle it out in Knoxville.
The Volunteers are tall, quick, athletic and very well coached, plus they are returning several of the players who routed the Zags in last year's Battle in Seattle. Look for today's game to be a fast paced offensive battle. The Zags are going to have to limit transition buckets and get a rebounding edge on both ends of the court if there are to emerge victorious.
Here is a Zags drinking game that a brilliant reader brought to my attention.
You drink when announcers mention:
John Stockton, Jud Heathcoat, Adam Morrison, Final Four, tough out of conference schedule, Marcy Few, drug possession, Billy Grier...
And for games on FSN: Ehlo's playing days at WSU, guys Ehlo played with, Jordan scoring on Ehlo, State of Texas, how good WSU is this year...
NOTE: If you are particularly fond of drinking or have nowhere that you need to drive, you can try taking a drink every time Ehlo says something like 'Blot Shockers' or 'sos then I's tells em...'. Like I said, if you choose to incorporate all of Ehlo's dimwitted comments, 1.) plan on barfing, 2.) make sure you have a designated driver, and 3.) don't plan on watching the second half.
Go Zags
The Volunteers are tall, quick, athletic and very well coached, plus they are returning several of the players who routed the Zags in last year's Battle in Seattle. Look for today's game to be a fast paced offensive battle. The Zags are going to have to limit transition buckets and get a rebounding edge on both ends of the court if there are to emerge victorious.
Here is a Zags drinking game that a brilliant reader brought to my attention.
You drink when announcers mention:
John Stockton, Jud Heathcoat, Adam Morrison, Final Four, tough out of conference schedule, Marcy Few, drug possession, Billy Grier...
And for games on FSN: Ehlo's playing days at WSU, guys Ehlo played with, Jordan scoring on Ehlo, State of Texas, how good WSU is this year...
NOTE: If you are particularly fond of drinking or have nowhere that you need to drive, you can try taking a drink every time Ehlo says something like 'Blot Shockers' or 'sos then I's tells em...'. Like I said, if you choose to incorporate all of Ehlo's dimwitted comments, 1.) plan on barfing, 2.) make sure you have a designated driver, and 3.) don't plan on watching the second half.
Go Zags
Friday, November 28, 2008
Zags Trip Terps
The Bulldogs rolled to a 22-point blowout of Maryland in the second round of the Old Spice Classic, setting up a Sunday tournament championship showdown with Tennessee. The Terps couldn't get the 3-ball to fall like they did against MSU, and the Zags, for once, took advantage of their size and got a lot of easy buckets down low.
Finally, Josh broke out of his shell and delivered a veteran performance. Hopefully this game will give him the confidence to start dominating his opponents like he did against Tyler "spaz/turd/ogre" Hansbrough. The Zags are going to need an epic performance out of him again on Sunday if they are going to keep up with the Volunteers. I've done all that I can to erase last year's match up with Tennessee from memory, but the thrashing we suffered at their hands is hard to forget. It was a 40-minute lay up drill. If the Zags play like they did today, and can get a little more out of Bouldin and a few less bricks out of Gray, they should be in pretty good shape to be crowned the Old Spice Champions.
On a side note, you gotta love watching games on ESPN. The announcers, though still complete dunces, at least have an adequate handle of English. At one point, I'm pretty sure one of the them described Dirty Vasquez as "mercurial." I would love to see Ehlo try to work that into a sentence.
Go Zags.
Finally, Josh broke out of his shell and delivered a veteran performance. Hopefully this game will give him the confidence to start dominating his opponents like he did against Tyler "spaz/turd/ogre" Hansbrough. The Zags are going to need an epic performance out of him again on Sunday if they are going to keep up with the Volunteers. I've done all that I can to erase last year's match up with Tennessee from memory, but the thrashing we suffered at their hands is hard to forget. It was a 40-minute lay up drill. If the Zags play like they did today, and can get a little more out of Bouldin and a few less bricks out of Gray, they should be in pretty good shape to be crowned the Old Spice Champions.
On a side note, you gotta love watching games on ESPN. The announcers, though still complete dunces, at least have an adequate handle of English. At one point, I'm pretty sure one of the them described Dirty Vasquez as "mercurial." I would love to see Ehlo try to work that into a sentence.
Go Zags.
Zags Turn It Around In Turkey Day Triumph
It was the tale of two Zags--the mediocre, rusty, brick-heaving Zags of the first 30-minutes, and the hustling, scrappy, confident Zags that put the Oklahoma State Cowbows to bed in the last 10 minutes of Thursday's match up. Out of the gates, the Bulldogs looked like I felt after 3 trips through the food line--bloated, tired and indecisive (do I go for a 4th?...I wonder if there are any more of those mini-muffins?...do I have any food on my face?).
In completely un-Zaglike fashion, the Bulldogs shot an abysmal 50% from the line. I can't think of game that they turned in a worse performance at the charity stripe. I wasn't really ever too concerned at any point throughout the game because I figured they would shake off the rust and take over. You could tell they were under control, but no one was really stepping up or trying to dominate offensively. They made some poor choices shot selection-wise, and they were pretty unlucky in terms of their shots falling, but that comes with having not played in 9 days. In the end, the Zags were able get over their constipated play and put the lock down on the Cowboys four guard attack, and I went ahead for the fourth plateful and crushed another 3 pumkin mini-muffins.
I'm still really impressed with Goodson, though he did make a couple rookie mistakes--he ran out the shot clock and couldn't get the ball in bounds on another occasion--but I guess that is to be expected. He also had a sweet pass to Ira in traffic for what amounted to the all-time biggest rim check in history. I don't know how he got up after that. I would still be laying on the court with a fractured pelvis. He did, however, go on to totally redeem himself by almost single-handedly sparking the Zags to victory.
It wasn't a very encouraging showing tonight, particularly in light of Maryland's domination of Michigan State. I'll be interested to see which of the two Zags shows up tomorrow. I'm hoping they set the tone early and that everyone plays like Ira trying to make up for getting rim checked. If the Zags can get their act together early, and play up to their capabilities, they should be able to run with the Terps, or any program for that matter.
Go Zags.
In completely un-Zaglike fashion, the Bulldogs shot an abysmal 50% from the line. I can't think of game that they turned in a worse performance at the charity stripe. I wasn't really ever too concerned at any point throughout the game because I figured they would shake off the rust and take over. You could tell they were under control, but no one was really stepping up or trying to dominate offensively. They made some poor choices shot selection-wise, and they were pretty unlucky in terms of their shots falling, but that comes with having not played in 9 days. In the end, the Zags were able get over their constipated play and put the lock down on the Cowboys four guard attack, and I went ahead for the fourth plateful and crushed another 3 pumkin mini-muffins.
I'm still really impressed with Goodson, though he did make a couple rookie mistakes--he ran out the shot clock and couldn't get the ball in bounds on another occasion--but I guess that is to be expected. He also had a sweet pass to Ira in traffic for what amounted to the all-time biggest rim check in history. I don't know how he got up after that. I would still be laying on the court with a fractured pelvis. He did, however, go on to totally redeem himself by almost single-handedly sparking the Zags to victory.
It wasn't a very encouraging showing tonight, particularly in light of Maryland's domination of Michigan State. I'll be interested to see which of the two Zags shows up tomorrow. I'm hoping they set the tone early and that everyone plays like Ira trying to make up for getting rim checked. If the Zags can get their act together early, and play up to their capabilities, they should be able to run with the Terps, or any program for that matter.
Go Zags.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Maryland Thumps Michigan St. In Upset
Maryland's senior guards lead the Terps to a double-digit victory over the 6th ranked Spartans. The winner of the Gonzaga/Oklahoma St. is going to have a highly confident Maryland team to contend with.
Go Zags.
Go Zags.
Victory Scented Old Spice W/Your Tofurkey?
The Zags roll into Orlando, Florida today to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first round of the Old Spice Classic, with tip off (6PM PST--ESPN2) coinciding with my first round of Thanksgiving food sweats.
The Cowboys are 4-0, but like the Bulldogs, they have hardly been challenged. They are athletic and like to play small ball, which could give the Zags an opportunity to showcase their depth at guard. If Heytvelt can stay out of foul trouble, he should be able to dominate the paint. What we don't need is Josh shooting a lot of 3s. Long rebounds lead to a lot of transition buckets for the shorter, quicker Cowboys. Oklahoma State is not just going to roll over, so look for this to be a tough, hard fought battle. If it's anything like their last match up, it'll come down to the buzzer. Nothing like a little nervous energy to help you digest about 4 pounds of food. My advice is to take your acid reflux medicine now.
The Cowboys are 4-0, but like the Bulldogs, they have hardly been challenged. They are athletic and like to play small ball, which could give the Zags an opportunity to showcase their depth at guard. If Heytvelt can stay out of foul trouble, he should be able to dominate the paint. What we don't need is Josh shooting a lot of 3s. Long rebounds lead to a lot of transition buckets for the shorter, quicker Cowboys. Oklahoma State is not just going to roll over, so look for this to be a tough, hard fought battle. If it's anything like their last match up, it'll come down to the buzzer. Nothing like a little nervous energy to help you digest about 4 pounds of food. My advice is to take your acid reflux medicine now.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Blame the Sonics?
According the blogs:
Not all games are guaranteed to be on Fox College Sports Pacific. Our contract calls for coverage on FSN Northwest, which is a separate station from FCS. In the past some Gonzaga games have been broadcast on FCS if there is a conflict with FSN Northwest (usually because of a Sonics conflict). FSN would probably not carry a game both on FSN and FCS Pacific because they are in the same footprint. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily surprise me that Tuesday’s game was not on FCS.
Your local cable company should be able to give you a schedule of upcoming events. If you want to be guaranteed to catch most of the games you should see if your cable provider has a package that includes FSN Northwest.
Bottom Line- No Fox Northwest, No GU Games
From what I've been able to figure out, if you live out of market, the only way to watch the games is through Direct TV or Dish with a specific sports package that has Fox Sports Northwest.
This sucks. The Zags are one of the few things in the world that have the power to either bring me absolute elation or complete and utter disappointment/anger/rage. This is a case of the latter.
Man...now I find myself wishing that I could hear Craig Ehlo's brilliant commentary more frequently. Well, then again....let's not get too carried away. Maybe watching the games on mute at some dingy sports bar may not be such a bad thing after all. That said, I will still drink the blood of whomever made the call to sell the rights to ESPN.
Not all games are guaranteed to be on Fox College Sports Pacific. Our contract calls for coverage on FSN Northwest, which is a separate station from FCS. In the past some Gonzaga games have been broadcast on FCS if there is a conflict with FSN Northwest (usually because of a Sonics conflict). FSN would probably not carry a game both on FSN and FCS Pacific because they are in the same footprint. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily surprise me that Tuesday’s game was not on FCS.
Your local cable company should be able to give you a schedule of upcoming events. If you want to be guaranteed to catch most of the games you should see if your cable provider has a package that includes FSN Northwest.
Bottom Line- No Fox Northwest, No GU Games
From what I've been able to figure out, if you live out of market, the only way to watch the games is through Direct TV or Dish with a specific sports package that has Fox Sports Northwest.
This sucks. The Zags are one of the few things in the world that have the power to either bring me absolute elation or complete and utter disappointment/anger/rage. This is a case of the latter.
Man...now I find myself wishing that I could hear Craig Ehlo's brilliant commentary more frequently. Well, then again....let's not get too carried away. Maybe watching the games on mute at some dingy sports bar may not be such a bad thing after all. That said, I will still drink the blood of whomever made the call to sell the rights to ESPN.
White-hot, seething anger
Dear Zags Fan:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the Gonzaga vs. Idaho basketball game on Tuesday, November 18.
It appears there was an unfortunate miscommunication in listing the game as being available on Fox College Sports. Unfortunately, Fox no longer has the right to televise Gonzaga basketball outside of the school’s home market as the university sold those rights to ESPN. Once we learned of the listings error, there was no time to correct it.
For the availability of future Gonzaga telecasts, you will need to contact the university or ESPN.
We apologize for the confusion, and we appreciate your continued support of Fox College Sports.
Good luck this season and best regards,
Scott Grogin
Senior Vice President, Communications
Fox Networks Group
310/369-4733 (O)
818/203-9849 (C)
scott.grogin@fox.com
Wow, seriously Gonzaga? Did anyone think that it might not be a good idea to take games off the air? I mean, I know we wouldn't want, I dunno, potential recruits from say, California, to be exposed to the Zags brand, right? That would be foolish. It's not like we'd want guys like Austin Daye to be able to watch the Zags play.
I'm hoping there is a business decision here that I'm not understanding, but this seems like a catastrophic F-up. Please, someone explain.
Thank you for contacting us regarding the Gonzaga vs. Idaho basketball game on Tuesday, November 18.
It appears there was an unfortunate miscommunication in listing the game as being available on Fox College Sports. Unfortunately, Fox no longer has the right to televise Gonzaga basketball outside of the school’s home market as the university sold those rights to ESPN. Once we learned of the listings error, there was no time to correct it.
For the availability of future Gonzaga telecasts, you will need to contact the university or ESPN.
We apologize for the confusion, and we appreciate your continued support of Fox College Sports.
Good luck this season and best regards,
Scott Grogin
Senior Vice President, Communications
Fox Networks Group
310/369-4733 (O)
818/203-9849 (C)
scott.grogin@fox.com
Wow, seriously Gonzaga? Did anyone think that it might not be a good idea to take games off the air? I mean, I know we wouldn't want, I dunno, potential recruits from say, California, to be exposed to the Zags brand, right? That would be foolish. It's not like we'd want guys like Austin Daye to be able to watch the Zags play.
I'm hoping there is a business decision here that I'm not understanding, but this seems like a catastrophic F-up. Please, someone explain.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Who doesn't want to watch a 10-year old football game?
Ok, well my blood pressure has finally returned to normal, so I guess I can begin to discuss last night's game.
So basically I left work early last night so that I could set my DVR to record the game, but I got stuck in traffic on the way home and didn't get to my apartment until after what would have been tip off. You notice I say 'would have been tip off.' That's because someone at Fox College Sports decided that it would be better to broadcast a 10-year old UCLA football game against Oregon St., instead of the regularly scheduled Zags game. And not just here in Los Angeles. WilburStepback up in San Francisco reported the same travesty coming through his cable box. It was a California-wide disaster. Let me begin to frame why this little programming blunder had me frothing at the mouth and screaming f-bombs at the poor customer service agents at Time Warner Cable.
So to begin with, in order to get the right sports package to be able to watch all the Gonzaga games, you have to pay for something like three different sport packages (FSN, FCS, ESPNU,ESPN2, etc.). I’m happy to do that as long as I get to see Gonzaga Basketball. So when TW Cable failed to deliver on the service they were providing (at a premium), I thought it was within my rights to call and register a complaint. And it probably would have just been a complaint if the people on the other end of the line weren't such incompetent boobs. What started out as a simple complaint turned into a full out ragefest. In the end, it really wasn't the fault of the cable provider, but since they are the one's cashing my checks each month, I felt I had fair reason to complain. If nothing else, in all honesty, I just needed to vent my all-encompassing fury on someone and the customer service agents, their supervisors, and their supervisors' supervisor came into my cross hairs. It wasn't pretty.
I guess this is a long way of saying I didn't get to watch the game, so I can't really offer any unique insights. I do have to say, hearing from a friend that they were up 47-11 at the half did a lot to contain my fiery rage.
Anyway, doesn't sound like I missed too great of a game, but all the same, I'm still a little bitter about the whole affair.
Luckily for you Ehlo, my wrath has shifted to bigger, and even dumber prey--the morons, boobs and turd sandwiches at Fox College Sports.
So basically I left work early last night so that I could set my DVR to record the game, but I got stuck in traffic on the way home and didn't get to my apartment until after what would have been tip off. You notice I say 'would have been tip off.' That's because someone at Fox College Sports decided that it would be better to broadcast a 10-year old UCLA football game against Oregon St., instead of the regularly scheduled Zags game. And not just here in Los Angeles. WilburStepback up in San Francisco reported the same travesty coming through his cable box. It was a California-wide disaster. Let me begin to frame why this little programming blunder had me frothing at the mouth and screaming f-bombs at the poor customer service agents at Time Warner Cable.
So to begin with, in order to get the right sports package to be able to watch all the Gonzaga games, you have to pay for something like three different sport packages (FSN, FCS, ESPNU,ESPN2, etc.). I’m happy to do that as long as I get to see Gonzaga Basketball. So when TW Cable failed to deliver on the service they were providing (at a premium), I thought it was within my rights to call and register a complaint. And it probably would have just been a complaint if the people on the other end of the line weren't such incompetent boobs. What started out as a simple complaint turned into a full out ragefest. In the end, it really wasn't the fault of the cable provider, but since they are the one's cashing my checks each month, I felt I had fair reason to complain. If nothing else, in all honesty, I just needed to vent my all-encompassing fury on someone and the customer service agents, their supervisors, and their supervisors' supervisor came into my cross hairs. It wasn't pretty.
I guess this is a long way of saying I didn't get to watch the game, so I can't really offer any unique insights. I do have to say, hearing from a friend that they were up 47-11 at the half did a lot to contain my fiery rage.
Anyway, doesn't sound like I missed too great of a game, but all the same, I'm still a little bitter about the whole affair.
Luckily for you Ehlo, my wrath has shifted to bigger, and even dumber prey--the morons, boobs and turd sandwiches at Fox College Sports.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Out in the pasture near Pa's cow
Tune in tomorrow night as the Zags take on the University of Idaho Vandals (1-1) in what will be their last home game before kicking off a 6-game road trip. The Zags are fresh off a Saturday route of the University of Montana--Billings Yellowjackets, and are looking to follow up on their spectacular second half.
Led by new coach Don Verlin, the Vandals picked up a win against The Evergreen State College--not that impressive considering half of the Geoducks showed up thinking they were there to play a game of ultimate frisbee. The Vandals followed up their big win by being blown out by 6th ranked Michigan State--no surprise there. It's hard to know what to expect from the Vandals, but you can be sure that they will be gunning for an upset of their hated rivals.
Also tune in tomorrow night for more humiliating commentary from none other than Craig "dumber than rope" Ehlo. Everytime I think he can't get any worse, his vacuous, mindless blather soars to new heights. If there was ever an adveritisment for NOT sending your kids to WAZZU, he is it. Greg Heister is no genius, but Ehlo makes him look capable of single-handedly decoding the human genome. I love Heister, if for no other reason than he makes a point each game of sharing the fact that Ehlo is from Texas and NOT Spokane. We can't have people thinking that Spokanites are a bunch of awe-shucksing, hillbillie morons, now can we? We also, as WilburStepback pointed out, can't have the voice of the Zags saying things like "block shotters."
Alright, enough Ehlo bashing--for now.
Go Zags!
Led by new coach Don Verlin, the Vandals picked up a win against The Evergreen State College--not that impressive considering half of the Geoducks showed up thinking they were there to play a game of ultimate frisbee. The Vandals followed up their big win by being blown out by 6th ranked Michigan State--no surprise there. It's hard to know what to expect from the Vandals, but you can be sure that they will be gunning for an upset of their hated rivals.
Also tune in tomorrow night for more humiliating commentary from none other than Craig "dumber than rope" Ehlo. Everytime I think he can't get any worse, his vacuous, mindless blather soars to new heights. If there was ever an adveritisment for NOT sending your kids to WAZZU, he is it. Greg Heister is no genius, but Ehlo makes him look capable of single-handedly decoding the human genome. I love Heister, if for no other reason than he makes a point each game of sharing the fact that Ehlo is from Texas and NOT Spokane. We can't have people thinking that Spokanites are a bunch of awe-shucksing, hillbillie morons, now can we? We also, as WilburStepback pointed out, can't have the voice of the Zags saying things like "block shotters."
Alright, enough Ehlo bashing--for now.
Go Zags!
Zags Bounce Back From Ugly First Half
Well, the first half certainly wasn't pretty. For a minute there, I thought that Michael Hall was going to be turning in a Stephen Curry-esque performance. Luckily for the guy predicting a globetrotters-style victory, Hall cooled off and the Zags were able blow things wide open in the second half.
Saw some impressive things from the Zags, in spite of their lackluster first half performance. They were active defensively, rebounded well, and were getting the ball to Josh on the block. At one point, I was rubbing my eyes and wondering out loud if I had just seen Bouldin get a fast break dunk.
What most impressed me though was Demetri Goodson. My expectations were completely surpassed on every level. His on-ball defense, quickness and basketball IQ were truly remarkable. This kid is going to have a HUGE future at Gonzaga. It'll be interesting to see how Few uses Goodson to complement Pargo. Opposing point guards beware.
Daye had a double double, Pargo had 10 assists and Heytvelt had an impressive game in spite of the mohawk (feux-hawks...really guys?). The Zags were tough defensively and dominated the glass.
The Zags return Tuesday night at 6pm for another home game against the University of Idaho Vandals.
Saw some impressive things from the Zags, in spite of their lackluster first half performance. They were active defensively, rebounded well, and were getting the ball to Josh on the block. At one point, I was rubbing my eyes and wondering out loud if I had just seen Bouldin get a fast break dunk.
What most impressed me though was Demetri Goodson. My expectations were completely surpassed on every level. His on-ball defense, quickness and basketball IQ were truly remarkable. This kid is going to have a HUGE future at Gonzaga. It'll be interesting to see how Few uses Goodson to complement Pargo. Opposing point guards beware.
Daye had a double double, Pargo had 10 assists and Heytvelt had an impressive game in spite of the mohawk (feux-hawks...really guys?). The Zags were tough defensively and dominated the glass.
The Zags return Tuesday night at 6pm for another home game against the University of Idaho Vandals.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Here we go again (finally)
On the eve of the first semi-real game of the 2008/2009 Gonzaga Basketball season (no offense Wayne St.), I have to admit, I am REAL fired up. Not (only) because I'm excited to see the Zags execute a Globetrotters-style blowout of Montana State-Billings, but rather because this lineup is one of the most promising in years, maybe ever. Pargo is back. Heytvelt is healthy. Downs, Bouldin, and Gray are as good as any three guards in the country. And turns out, Austin's wheel is going to be just fine. Say nothing of one of the deepest benches in Zag history or frosh baller Demetri Goodson who, rumor has it, is impressing one very well-known Bulldog alum with his toughness and athleticism.
The first test on the Zags customarily ambitious schedule is November 27th at the Old Spice Classic against Oklahoma State, with a potential second round match up against either Maryland or #6th ranked Michigan State (pre-season AP). And it doesn't get any easier from there. With match-ups against Indiana, Washington State, Arizona, Connecticut (#2), Utah, Tennessee (#14), and Memphis (#13)--these Bulldogs are going to have every opportunity to prove their position among the country's elite programs.
League play is going to be some of the toughest in memory. The WCC continues to improve and is known for it's well coached, hard-nosed basketball teams--and Pepperdine (take that Wave fans). St. Mary's is getting a lot of attention nationally, and San Diego's program is flourishing under the leadership of former Zag, Bill Grier. With everything that Coach Grier did to bring players to Spokane, I can only imagine--and fear--what he's capable of with sunny San Diego as his draw. And trust me, having watched the Zags play there the last 4 years, it is a draw--at least for this sun starved Spokanite. Not that Spokane isn't a draw, I'm just saying....
Last year's team spread the ball around well, and didn't rely on any one player to carry the team offensively. With 6 players capable of putting up 20+ points on any given night, the Zags' cup overfloweth. Rob Sacre is out with a foot injury, so the Bulldogs will be starting off the season on the leaner side. They aren't going to bang with anyone, but what they lack in bulk they make up for in quickness, athleticism and length. Look for the Zags to out rebound, out hustle, and out smart their opponents.
Even if it is just the Yellowjackets of Montana State-Billings, nothing could deter me from soaking up every second of the game like a shamwow. Not even Craig Ehlo's terrible, terrible commentary. And on that note I bid you good night and go Zags.
The first test on the Zags customarily ambitious schedule is November 27th at the Old Spice Classic against Oklahoma State, with a potential second round match up against either Maryland or #6th ranked Michigan State (pre-season AP). And it doesn't get any easier from there. With match-ups against Indiana, Washington State, Arizona, Connecticut (#2), Utah, Tennessee (#14), and Memphis (#13)--these Bulldogs are going to have every opportunity to prove their position among the country's elite programs.
League play is going to be some of the toughest in memory. The WCC continues to improve and is known for it's well coached, hard-nosed basketball teams--and Pepperdine (take that Wave fans). St. Mary's is getting a lot of attention nationally, and San Diego's program is flourishing under the leadership of former Zag, Bill Grier. With everything that Coach Grier did to bring players to Spokane, I can only imagine--and fear--what he's capable of with sunny San Diego as his draw. And trust me, having watched the Zags play there the last 4 years, it is a draw--at least for this sun starved Spokanite. Not that Spokane isn't a draw, I'm just saying....
Last year's team spread the ball around well, and didn't rely on any one player to carry the team offensively. With 6 players capable of putting up 20+ points on any given night, the Zags' cup overfloweth. Rob Sacre is out with a foot injury, so the Bulldogs will be starting off the season on the leaner side. They aren't going to bang with anyone, but what they lack in bulk they make up for in quickness, athleticism and length. Look for the Zags to out rebound, out hustle, and out smart their opponents.
Even if it is just the Yellowjackets of Montana State-Billings, nothing could deter me from soaking up every second of the game like a shamwow. Not even Craig Ehlo's terrible, terrible commentary. And on that note I bid you good night and go Zags.
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