The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been close to winning their first NCAAB title, but they finished runner-up in 2017 and 2021. Last year, the Zags made it to the Sweet Sixteen for the seventh consecutive tournament. Gonzaga are fighting for first place in the West Coast Conference this season.
Gonzaga are just 2-3 against ranked opponents this season. Drew Timme is in his final season with the program and he’s averaging over 20 PPG. He has helped the Zags rank as one of the highest scoring teams in the nation. If Gonzaga get hot in March, this could be the year they finally win it all.
Intriguing Facts About the Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs’ basketball program is replete with fascinating milestones and unique achievements that set it apart in the NCAA landscape. A noteworthy aspect of their early success is how the team commenced in 1907 without a coach and still secured an impressive 9-2 record, a testament to the players’ self-motivation and skill. Since 1999, Gonzaga has not missed a single NCAA tournament, showcasing a remarkable consistency and dominance in college basketball.
The Bulldogs have also been a breeding ground for scoring champions, with Frank Burgess in 1961 and Adam Morrison in 2006 leading the nation in points per game. Their continued presence in every final AP poll since the 2008-09 season underlines their sustained excellence and competitiveness. Lastly, their sheer dominance in the West Coast Conference, featuring in almost every conference title game since 1995 and clinching 16 titles, highlights their regional supremacy.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Latest News
The Historical Tapestry of the Gonzaga Bulldogs
The origins of Gonzaga’s basketball program in the 1907-08 season marked the beginning of a legacy that would grow significantly over the decades. The early years under coaches like George Varnell and William Mulligan laid the foundation for a competitive spirit. However, it was under the guidance of coaches like Hank Anderson in the 1960s and Dan Fitzgerald in the 1990s that Gonzaga began to make waves in collegiate basketball.
Fitzgerald’s tenure was particularly transformative, leading the team to its first postseason NIT appearance and setting the stage for future successes. These foundational years were crucial in establishing a culture of basketball excellence at Gonzaga, which would be further developed and honed in the following decades.
The Golden Era
The appointment of Mark Few as head coach in 1999 heralded the beginning of what can be considered Gonzaga’s golden era. Few’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, has been instrumental in propelling the Bulldogs to the forefront of college basketball. Under his guidance, the team has not only consistently dominated the West Coast Conference but has also made significant impacts on the national stage.
The era is highlighted by the Bulldogs’ first Final Four appearance in 2017 and their return in 2021, both times finishing as NCAA tournament runner-ups. These achievements are a testament to Few’s leadership and the exceptional talents of players like Casey Calvary, who have left an indelible mark on the program.
Legendary Figures in Gonzaga Bulldogs History
Throughout its history, the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball program has been shaped by a host of legendary figures. Coaches like Dan Fitzgerald and Mark Few have been instrumental in sculpting the team’s competitive edge and strategic approach. Players such as Frank Burgess and Adam Morrison have not only set records but have also inspired future generations of Bulldogs with their skill and dedication. These individuals have contributed significantly to the program’s legacy, leaving a lasting impact on Gonzaga basketball and the broader sporting community.
A Game to Remember
One of the most memorable games in Gonzaga’s history was during their remarkable “Cinderella” run in the 1999 NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs, then considered underdogs, displayed extraordinary skill and determination to reach the Elite Eight. Their victories against higher-ranked teams like Stanford and Florida captured the nation’s attention and marked Gonzaga as a serious contender in NCAA basketball. This tournament run was not just about the wins; it represented the Bulldogs’ fighting spirit and their ability to defy expectations.
Gonzaga Bulldogs [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Fri 10/11/2023 | Opponent: Yale Bulldogs | Result: W 86-71 |
| Week 2 | Date: Tue 14/11/2023 | Opponent: Eastern Oregon Mountaineers | Result: W 123-57 |
| Week 3 | Date: Mon 20/11/2023 | Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers | Result: L 63-73 |
| Week 3 | Date: Tue 21/11/2023 | Opponent: Syracuse Orange | Result: W 76-57 |
| Week 3 | Date: Wed 22/11/2023 | Opponent: UCLA Bruins | Result: W 69-65 |
| Week 4 | Date: Tue 28/11/2023 | Opponent: CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners | Result: W 81-65 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Southern California Trojans | Result: W 89-76 |
| Week 5 | Date: Tue 05/12/2023 | Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions | Result: W 111-71 |
| Week 5 | Date: Sat 09/12/2023 | Opponent: Washington Huskies | Result: L 73-78 |
| Week 6 | Date: Mon 11/12/2023 | Opponent: Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils | Result: W 78-40 |
| Week 6 | Date: Fri 15/12/2023 | Opponent: Connecticut Huskies | Result: L 63-76 |
| Week 7 | Date: Wed 20/12/2023 | Opponent: Jackson State Tigers | Result: W 100-76 |
| Week 8 | Date: Fri 29/12/2023 | Opponent: San Diego St. Aztecs | Result: L 74-84 |
| Week 9 | Date: Thu 04/01/2024 | Opponent: Pepperdine Waves | Result: W 86-60 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: San Diego Toreros | Result: W 101-74 |
| Week 10 | Date: Thu 11/01/2024 | Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos | Result: L 76-77 |
| Week 11 | Date: Thu 18/01/2024 | Opponent: Pepperdine Waves | Result: W 86-61 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: San Diego Toreros | Result: W 105-63 |
| Week 12 | Date: Thu 25/01/2024 | Opponent: San Francisco Dons | Result: W 77-72 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Pacific Tigers | Result: W 82-73 |
| Week 13 | Date: Tue 30/01/2024 | Opponent: Loyola Marymount Lions | Result: W 92-58 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Saint Mary’s Gaels | Result: L 62-64 |
| Week 14 | Date: Wed 07/02/2024 | Opponent: Portland Pilots | Result: W 96-64 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sat 10/02/2024 | Opponent: Kentucky Wildcats | Result: W 89-85 |
| Week 15 | Date: Thu 15/02/2024 | Opponent: Loyola Marymount Lions | Result: W 91-74 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: Pacific Tigers | Result: W 102-76 |
| Week 16 | Date: Thu 22/02/2024 | Opponent: Portland Pilots | Result: W 86-65 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos | Result: W 94-81 |
| Week 17 | Date: Thu 29/02/2024 | Opponent: San Francisco Dons | Result: W 86-68 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: Saint Mary’s Gaels | Result: W 70-57 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Mon 11/03/2024 | Opponent: San Francisco Dons | Result: W 89-77 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Tue 12/03/2024 | Opponent: Saint Mary’s Gaels | Result: L 60-69 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Thu 21/03/2024 | Opponent: McNeese St. Cowboys | Result: W 86-65 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Thu 21/03/2024 | Opponent: McNeese St. Cowboys | Result: TBD |
| Date: Sat 23/03/2024 | Opponent: Kansas Jayhawks | Result: W 89-68 | |
| Date: Fri 29/03/2024 | Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers | Result: L 68-80 | |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Fri 29/03/2024 | Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers | Result: TBD |
Home of Gonzaga Bulldogs: McCarthey Athletic Center
The McCarthey Athletic Center, Gonzaga’s home venue, is more than just a basketball arena; it’s a symbol of the school’s commitment to its basketball program and a sanctuary where memorable moments in the sport have unfolded. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, the center has been pivotal in nurturing the Bulldogs’ talent and hosting thrilling basketball contests. This venue has witnessed numerous historic moments, including monumental wins and heartbreaking losses, each adding to the rich tapestry of Gonzaga basketball.
Find the latest NCAA Football Picks for Free
References: