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.
