The Gonzaga Bulldogs represent the Gonzaga University in West Coast Conference. They are members of Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
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20 of the best players in Gonzaga basketball history
The Gonzaga University men’s basketball program has a rich history of putting together a variety of talented players. In the last two decades, the team has made it to the NCAA Tournament many times. It is also a model of consistency.
One of the most popular players in GU’s history is Ronny Turiaf, who played from 2002 to 2005. He was a native of France and was raised in Martinique. During his college career, Turiaf averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He also led the Zags in blocked shots with 179.
John Stockton was a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a West Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1984. He is known for his ability to distribute the ball. Stockton has 554 assists in his career.
Sabonis was a two-year player with the Zags. He was named to the AP All-American and honorable mention AP All-American teams. His freshman season shooting percentage was second-best in the program’s history.
BYU/Gonzaga rivalry
The BYU/Gonzaga basketball rivalry has been a defining moment for the Cougars for many years. These two West Coast Conference schools have played in an exciting and high-energy environment over the past decade.
While BYU and Gonzaga haven’t met in the NCAA Tournament in over a decade, they’ve met in the WCC tournament for eight of the last nine years. That may change when the two meet again for the WCC semifinals on Monday.
Although BYU’s men’s basketball program hasn’t always been a powerhouse, the Cougars have had their share of memorable moments against the Bulldogs. One of those moments came in the 2020 game. Yoeli Child scored 28 points to lead BYU to a 31-0 win over Gonzaga.
Several other teams have also beaten the Bulldogs, but BYU has done so in the most impressive fashion. For instance, BYU has been able to win three straight games with 50-plus point scoring, twice.
BYU’s most recent victory was against Saint Mary’s 52-43 on Saturday. However, the Cougars haven’t been able to get the job done at home. In fact, they’ve lost two home games this season to Utah Valley and South Dakota.
Texas men’s basketball team to host Gonzaga
If you are a fan of basketball, then you’ve probably heard of the Texas men’s basketball team. They are currently ranked 12 in the CBS Sports Top 25 and will face off against the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Moody Center on Wednesday night.
The Texas Longhorns have won their first two games this season by a combined score of 81-73. However, they haven’t faced the best competition so far.
So, what exactly are they expected to do this year? First, they have a tough non-conference schedule. Second, they have a stacked recruiting class in 2022. Third, they have a talented transfer class. Finally, they’re a part of the Big 12.
On Tuesday, the Texas Longhorns beat the Virginia Tech Hokies 81-73. In the process, they made 13 three-pointers.
In addition, they had a 43-1 lead in fast-break points. This isn’t unusual for them. Their defense is very good, though, and they are forcing turnovers at a high rate.
The Texas Longhorns have also had their fair share of turnovers so far. Texas has committed nine in their first two games, while Gonzaga has committed twenty.
St. Mary’s rivalry
Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s are two of the best programs in the West Coast Conference. The teams have been battling for conference supremacy for years. They have been tied for first place in the WCC for two seasons in a row.
Both teams are playing at the highest level in their school’s history. Gonzaga has made it to the Elite Eight twice since the 2012-13 season and has won the national title.
The Gaels have the second-best record in the WCC this season, with a 19-5 record. But the team hasn’t faced a top-25 opponent yet. It’s still 1.5 games behind the Bulldogs.
Gonzaga is a better, faster team. They play at the seventh-fastest pace in the nation and have a third-ranked assist average of 18.4. Elias Harris and Kelly Olynyk combine to shoot 32.2 percent from three.
Gonzaga has a dominant frontcourt. Generally only a few inches taller than the Gaels, they’re capable of pulling down close to seven rebounds per game. This helps the Bulldogs dominate in the paint.
