HBO to Chronicle Gonzaga Basketball Team in 5-Episode Reality Series

The Gonzaga men's basketball team will document its run-up to the 2016 NCAA tournament with a five-part reality series on HBO titled "Gonzaga: The March to Madness."    

HBO announced the new TV show Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, whose report indicates the show is slated to premiere on Tuesday, Feb. 16. HBO PR confirmed the news and included images therein:

The finale of the five-episode limited series will air on March 15, which marks the official beginning of March Madness.

Cameras began rolling in November as the Bulldogs embarked on their 17th season under head coach Mark Few. They appear well on their way to another Big Dance bid amid a 13-3 start, with three losses by a combined 11 points.

Guard play often tends to loom large in March Madness, but this year's Gonzaga squad is built around two legitimate frontcourt stars.

Kyle Wiltjer is among the best all-around offensive players in the nation, currently averaging 21.5 points per game, while sophomore Domantas Sabonis has emerged as a big-time player in his own right. Greg Wrubell of ESPN 960 highlighted the matchup problems the Zags' two big men create for opponents:

Wiltjer's leadership and Sabonis' meteoric rise should be fascinating to behold behind the scenes.

Gonzaga seldom garners media coverage the way other major programs do, so HBO was wise to embrace the opportunity to follow the team around.

Few has developed the Zags from a mid-major Cinderella to an NCAA tournament mainstay. They haven't missed out on March Madness during his tenure. Seeing how Few directs his players should also provide piercing insight as to how he's had such staying power in Spokane, Washington.

The Bulldogs will also continue to deal with enormous expectations after reaching the Elite Eight last season only to lose to eventual national champion Duke.