STF Super Awesome Team Previews: #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs

#11 Gonzaga Bulldogs



Team: Gonzaga

Conference: WCC

2006 Record and Ending: 23-11, lost to Indiana in first round of NCAA Tournament

Key Players Returning: After one long, strange trip, Josh Heytvelt is returning from his shroom related suspension last season. His return alone would make the Zags clear cut favorite in a weaker-than-usual WCC, but this Zag team also returns a fantastic backcourt with PG Jeremy Prago (12.1 ppg, 43. apg) G Micah Downs (8.1 pgg, 3.4 rpg), Matt Bouldin (9 ppg, 3 apg) and David Pendergraft.

What's To Love: The backcourt is amazing, even with the loss of leader Derek Raivio.Not many teams can boast the kind of shooting that the Zags have. Pargo should fill in nicely for Raivio, as he is more of a pass oriented point who should get the ball to sharpshooters Downs and Bouldin. Throw in the post presence of Heytvelt, which was sorely missing last season, and this team should be bale to put up point with ease.

What's Not To Love: The defense could be trouble spot, especially with the loss of Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes, who was expected to be the lockdown defender. All that backcourt talent doesn't exactly translate to defensive talent. Also, the schedule is as brutal as ever, with games against Washington State, Memphis, UConn. A few early losses could derail this senior-less team.

Key Player: Josh Heytvelt. If he can stay out of jail and off drugs, he'll provide the Zags with all the post scoring and rebounding they need to be a Final Four contender. If he slips up, the Zags will flounder without any credible post players and can expect another first round exit.

Best Case: Heytvelt stays off shrooms and is a double-double threat, Pagro continues to improve at the point, someone steps up to be a lockdown defender on the perimeter, Downs makes "the leap" and become a dynamic scorer, the Zags win a few tough non-conferences games with it's offense and then cruise through a weak WCC.

Worst Case: Heytvelt trips again, the Zags miss the leadership of Raivio, the porous D leads to too many shootouts, team is shot by over-scheduling for a second straight season

STF Prediction: The Zags have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country. If they can survive the preseason schedule, this team could cruise to a #3 or #4 seed. WCC Champs, #3 seed, Sweet 16.