As we inch toward the NCAA tournament everyone is trying to figure out who this year's Cinderella team is. One Cinderella is planning to make another tournament appearance, expect today they've morphed into colossus. I'm talking about that mid-sized Jesuit university in Spokane, Wash., Gonzaga.
Ten years ago, Gonzaga exploded onto the national scene with an improbable run to the Elite Eight. They were the story of the tournament, winning their first postseason game. But Gonzaga kept the success going making appearances in the Sweet 16 both in 2000 and 2001, eventually turning into a Top 25 mainstay.
However, it seems like the Zags have entered a fairy-tale netherworld with stagnating success and are in desperate need image overhaul. For the first time in 10 years, the Bulldogs have been eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the opening round in consecutive seasons. And the enduring image of Gonzaga (seen right) is star guard Adam Morrison crumpled to the floor in 2006 tournament, crying after an epic collapse to UCLA.
Will this Zags team be any different? We'll find out soon enough, but I think they can make a run. Gonzaga is ranked in the top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Forward Josh Heytvelt is showing his potential to dominate, potential he showed before after schooling UNC's Tyler Hansbrough in MSG. With senior Jeremy Pargo leading the charge, the pieces are in place to erase their past failures.
2 comments:
On the flip side, Gonzaga is in a position for a major flop as well. After flirting with top 10 in the nation in the preseason (I think...) they lost some bad games to good teams. If they can't escape the second round this year, especially with their current talent level, it might be their biggest wasted year yet.
The Zags are strong across the board as long as they can make up for not having a true point guard. A team with a strong point guard and good outside shooting could give the Gags, err, Zags, a run for their money. (St. Mary's with Mills hot shooting is a good example).
If Gonzaga plays the kind of inspired game that they tend to play at this time of year, this version of the Bulldogs will do some damage. I think this could be an Elite 8 year or better for them. Time will tell...I love March Madness!
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