Gonzaga Basketball: A Fan's Defense

As I have raised concerns about my beloved Zags on more than one occasion this season, I feel it only apt that I must come to their defense.

The vast majority of you seem to have jumped onto the Davidson University bandwagon, as they are the darlings of the media "talking heads" going into the Tournament. Let me remind you, Davidson's outstanding guards Stephen Curry & Jason Richards are not the first players of this caliber that the Zags have ever faced.

Some names that quickly come to mind are, Jameer Nelson of St. Joe's., Virginia's Sean Singletary, Texas's A.J. Abrams & D.J. Augustine, and Connecticut's  A.J. Price. There are several others we've seen over the last several seasons, but the aforementioned are just off the top of my head.

So while the Zags will respect and appreciate the Wildcat backcourt, rest assured that Jeremy Pargo, Matt Bouldin, Larry Gurganious, or even frosh sensation Steven Gray, will not worry that they are in over their heads against them. Their excellent coach Bob McKillop, relies on four interior players who closely resemble each other, Boris Meno (6'8" 220), Thomas Sander (6'8" 220), Andrew Lovedale (6'8" 215), and Stephen Rossiter (6'7" 230).

McLillop says they are basically copies of each other, on the court to run, rebound defend, screen and hit the open shot. Between them, they average approximately 16 pts and 16 rebounds per game. Good players all, thanks to TV I have seen them several times.

Gonzaga will try and counter them with Junior Josh Heytvelt (6'11" 250), whom has suffered from recurrent foot injuries and head issues occurring from last season’s suspension over the infamous "mushroom" incident. Josh has made amends, done community service and has gradually worked his way back to resembling the center who manhandled North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, when Gonzaga defeated them.

Former Junior College All-American, Senior Abdullahi Kuso (6'9" 240), Senior scrapper David Pendergraft (6'6" 225), Junior Micah Downs (6'10" 230), transfer from Kansas, an adept player, plus Austin Daye (6'10 195), who made the WCC All-Freshmen team, will probably see the lions share of time against Davidson

Coach Mark Few also has frosh Robert Sacre (7'0" 265) and sophomore Will Foster (7'4" 240), can cause a lots of problems on defense, if needed. Despite the malaise that has affected this team during several games, I expect that no additional motivation will be needed for them to play their best game of the season against Davidson.

IF, this happens, and I believe it will, then Davidson’s chances are “slim and and slim left town”. The Zags will not only defeat them, they will win going all the way! Oh, by the way, this is the 10^th NCAA tourney in a row for the Zags.

Not bad for a “mid-major!”