Gonzaga Basketball: Factors That Will Make or Break Bulldogs in 2014-15

Gonzaga basketball is nearing its debut at Kraziness in the Kennel, and as the Bulldogs continue to build toward the beginning of the season, there are some very important factors that could make or break this team.

From Gonzaga’s greatest weakness last season to a plague of injuries that seemed nearly endless, the Zags will look to improve on last season's shortcomings.

However, continuing development of a bright spot from last year’s team and the introduction of a bevy of new talent have Gonzaga fans excited, and how these factors play out will be equally important for what could be a potential Top 10 team this season.

Team Chemistry

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The No. 1 factor for success this season for the Bulldogs is going to be team chemistry.

Over the last few seasons, Gonzaga has brought in touted transfer students such as Gerard Coleman and Guy Landry-Edi. While both of these players have showed incredible promise, neither fit properly with the existing pieces Gonzaga had.

This season, Gonzaga adds transfers Kyle Wiltjer and Byron Wesley, both of whom are expected to start this season.

Many expect Wiltjer to take on the same type of away-from-the-basket role that Kelly Olynyk had two seasons ago. The hope here is that he is able to form a solid high-low relationship with Przemek Karnowski.

Wesley, on the other hand, will be joining a senior-led backcourt of Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr., who have started together since entering the program as freshmen. In their time together, they have started with many different wings, including Mike Hart, Kyle Dranginis, Coleman and Marquise Carter.

If Wesley is able to get to the basket and draw defenders from the excellent shooting duo of Pangos and Bell, this could be the best backcourt Gonzaga has seen in years.

It will be intriguing to see how Wiltjer and Wesley integrate themselves into the existing Gonzaga framework, and if this team is able to coalesce, Gonzaga could have one of the top starting lineups in the country.

Team Health

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Kevin Pangos played on an injured ankle for much of last season.

Injuries plagued Gonzaga last season.

Kevin Pangos played through turf toe and persistent ankle injuries, Gary Bell Jr. missed several games with a broken hand and Sam Dower missed key moments with an injured hip.

These injuries served to weaken an already depleted frontcourt and also took away some of the quality behind Gonzaga’s two top scoring guards.

This season, Gonzaga has the depth to back up these positions.

However, with team chemistry being an important factor for overall success this season, it will be crucial to keep key players on the court.

Przemek Karnowski’s Development

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It became apparent last season that Gonzaga’s success in close contests was completely dependent on the play of center Przemek Karnowski.

Karnowski entered the program two seasons ago, and in his first two years in Spokane he has improved his shooting, court awareness, rebounding and overall athleticism. 

The bottom line is that Karnowski is an absolute beast, and I am predicting a huge breakout season for him.

Last season, Gonzaga suffered from a dearth of big men to support Karnowski, but this year the Bulldogs add Kyle Wiltjer, whose game should complement the big man from Poland.

Wiltjer’s ability to shoot the basketball at a high rate out to the three-point line will drag defenders away from the paint and will limit the number of double-teams Karnowski sees.

Karnowski finished last season strong, and with a potential breakout season this year, he could grab the attention of NBA scouts.

Rebounding, Rebounding, Rebounding

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Those who read my columns last season will remember that I harped on Gonzaga for its inability to rebound the basketball.

Rebounding truly was Gonzaga’s greatest weakness last season.

The Bulldogs finished 123rd in rebounds per game last year. While this had a lot to do with the lack of depth in the frontcourt, Gonzaga must do better in making rebounding a priority as a team.

In games that Gonzaga lost last season, an overwhelming theme was that it also lost in terms of rebounding margin.

The Bulldogs will be built on the foundation of an offense that will be hard to outscore, and as a suspect defensive squad, it will be crucial to limit second-chance points to opposing teams.