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.
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2 comments:
Zags! Zags! Zags!
Love the new recruiting class, Manny Arop, Sam Dower, and potentially Bol Kong.
California WCC schools have sunk to a new low, sucking every last penny out of all us miserly Spokane transplants in their pathetic attempt to profit on Zag popularity.
First, both Santa Clara and St. Mary's have refused to allot any tickets to the Gonzaga Bulldog Club. So, what used to be my wheelhouse for hassle free away game tickets is no longer. Even my most baller Bulldog Club hookups can't come through this year.
Second, teams that have released tickets, San Francisco and Pepperdine included, force you into buying anywhere from three to five ticket packages just to get a Zags ticket.
Despite these subversive measures, we will still be showing up to their dumpy gyms in droves to watch them get humiliated on their home courts.
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