#15 Gonzaga start the season on a high note
College basketball returned to Spokane eight months later and the Zags did not disappoint their loyal home crowd that filled up McCarthey Athletic Center, defeating Bryant (100-76) and Colorado State (93-61). Mark Few's pupils cleared up the doubts that concerned their fans after losing three fundamental starters from last year: Kelly Olynyk, Elias Harris and Mike Hart. The three alumni amassed “just” 34.4 points and 18.6 rebounds, roughly fifty percent of the team's total production in both statistical categories.
Gonzaga meets the odds against Bryant
The Zags were clear favorites to beat the Bryant Bulldogs at “The Kennel”, the colloquial name of the jesuit university's basketball stadium. However, the coaching staff had warned before the game that the visitors were not a cupcake, since they were returning four starters, including the fearsome shooting guard Dyami Starks.
Few surprised everybody by starting David Stockton at point guard along with Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. That trio is such a short backcourt. Inside, on the other hand, there were no doubts upon who owned the starting spots. Sam Dower and Przemek Karnowski are the new twin towers of Gonzaga basketball.
The Zags were a cyclone in the first minutes, taking off in the scoreboard. Leading 49-28 at halftime, Mak Few was able to rest the core of the team and test the capabilities of the secondary players on the roster. That allowed opposing star Starks to go off and drop 35 points. Senior Sam Dower stood out for Gonzaga with a monster double-double of 21 points and 17 boards.
Gonzaga gives no chance to Colorado State
Only two days later had gone by and Gonzaga faced another test. Colorado State arrived in Spokane to challenge the Bulldogs as part of the 2013 ESPN tip-off marathon. The Rams were huge surprise last season in the Mountain West. Lead by center Colton Iverson, drafted by the Celtics 53rd overall in the last draft and currently playing in Turkey for Besiktas, the Rams peaked at 21st in the USA Today/Coaches' Poll last year.
Nevertheless, the 2013/14 Rams are merely a shade of last season's squad. Quite understandable after losing all five starters, but far from enough to intimidate the Zags. Jon Octeus was the lone Ram scoring double figures. For Gonzaga, Gary Bell Jr. had a shooting career game with eight treys. The Zags decided the contest with a quick 16-0 run to begin the second half.
Freshmen Luke Meikle and Connor Griffin enjoyed some playing time in both games, whereas seven footer Ryan Edwards was listed as inactive.
Observations:
Gonzaga 93-61 Colorado State highlights provided by Gozags.com
Gonzaga meets the odds against Bryant
The Zags were clear favorites to beat the Bryant Bulldogs at “The Kennel”, the colloquial name of the jesuit university's basketball stadium. However, the coaching staff had warned before the game that the visitors were not a cupcake, since they were returning four starters, including the fearsome shooting guard Dyami Starks.
Few surprised everybody by starting David Stockton at point guard along with Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. That trio is such a short backcourt. Inside, on the other hand, there were no doubts upon who owned the starting spots. Sam Dower and Przemek Karnowski are the new twin towers of Gonzaga basketball.
The Zags were a cyclone in the first minutes, taking off in the scoreboard. Leading 49-28 at halftime, Mak Few was able to rest the core of the team and test the capabilities of the secondary players on the roster. That allowed opposing star Starks to go off and drop 35 points. Senior Sam Dower stood out for Gonzaga with a monster double-double of 21 points and 17 boards.
Gonzaga gives no chance to Colorado State
Only two days later had gone by and Gonzaga faced another test. Colorado State arrived in Spokane to challenge the Bulldogs as part of the 2013 ESPN tip-off marathon. The Rams were huge surprise last season in the Mountain West. Lead by center Colton Iverson, drafted by the Celtics 53rd overall in the last draft and currently playing in Turkey for Besiktas, the Rams peaked at 21st in the USA Today/Coaches' Poll last year.
Nevertheless, the 2013/14 Rams are merely a shade of last season's squad. Quite understandable after losing all five starters, but far from enough to intimidate the Zags. Jon Octeus was the lone Ram scoring double figures. For Gonzaga, Gary Bell Jr. had a shooting career game with eight treys. The Zags decided the contest with a quick 16-0 run to begin the second half.
Freshmen Luke Meikle and Connor Griffin enjoyed some playing time in both games, whereas seven footer Ryan Edwards was listed as inactive.
Observations:
- Gonzaga will play small ball and run the floor a lot this year. It wil be fun to watch for the spectators.
- Gerard Coleman, who made his debut for the Zags after redshirting last season, is the best rim attacker and possibly overall scorer on the team. It won't go long before he earns a starting spot.
- Dominican forward Angel Nunez, Louisville transfer, will be eligible in late December. He will be a fundamental piece for Gonzaga given his versatility.
Gonzaga 93-61 Colorado State highlights provided by Gozags.com