The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been a force in all of NCAAB for many years. Coach Mark Few has been able to deliver this team a winning record in all of the 19 seasons he has been coaching the Gonzaga program. Gonzaga was also able to make it to the NCAA Championship in 2017. Last Year, the Bulldogs finished number one in the WCC with a conference record of 17 wins and 1 loss.
In the upcoming 2018-19 NCAAB Season, Gonzaga looks to dominate both inside and outside of their conference and make a big run in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Returners
- Killian Tillie – F
- Josh Perkins – G
- Zach Norvell Jr. – G
- Rui Hachimura – F
With these four players returning for the upcoming season, Gonzaga fans can hardly wait to see a team with some legit experience. Gonzaga will not have to worry about offense as all four of these guys were able to average 12 points per game. Norvell Jr. and Perkins will help run the backcourt for the Bulldogs. The familiar faces will be able to lead this squad and put up the numbers they need to win.
Tillie and Hachimura have been solid forwards for the Bulldogs. They both were able to put up about 12 points per game and collect around four rebounds per game. These two will be fun to watch in the upcoming season, whenever they do eventually take the court together.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Tillie will be sidelined up to two months due to a foot fracture. Foot injuries, especially fractures, are usually not great for any player but especially big men. Hopefully, Tillie can bounce back with the team and contribute to a Gonzaga team with a high ceiling.
Key Losses
- Johnathan Williams – F
Even though he is the only piece of the puzzle leaving, Williams is a huge loss for the Bulldogs. Williams was the leading scorer for the team last year as he was able to put up almost 14 points per game. Alongside his ability to score, he was also able to lead the team in rebounds, collecting around nine per game. Williams absence will be felt, and it is up to coach Few to figure out how to fill the gap.
(Editor’s note: Voting on these standings happened before Tillie’s injury was announced.)
Key Newcomers
- Filip Petrusev – C
Petrusev is a big pickup for Gonzaga as they are lacking depth in their frontcourt. The 6’10 prospect out of Montverde Academy is ranked number nine on 247Sports list of top centers in the class of 2018. Petrusev will have to play a lot for this squad as they currently do not have any big names at the center position.
Projected Starting Five
- Josh Perkins
- Zach Norvell Jr.
- Killian Tillie
- Rui Hachimura
- Filip Petrusev
Season Outlook
Gonzaga basically has their same team from last year. With only the departure of Williams, the Gonzaga players will be able to use their chemistry to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Killian Tillie has been a well-known name for the Bulldogs. He will probably be the number one scoring option for this team when he comes back. Last year Tillie had a field goal percentage of almost 60 percent and shot almost 50 percent from behind the arc. But all eyes will turn to Zach Norvell Jr. and Rui Hachimura to pick up the slack until Tillie returns.
Record Prediction: 33-4 (16-2)
Gonzaga has no real competition in the WCC and that makes it easy for them to be able to win games. Their confidence from conference opponents also helps them against other teams outside of their conference. Gonzaga is bringing back almost their whole team. Look for Gonzaga to be able to make a huge run in the NCAA Tournament. gs
