Can the Zags Basketball Team Reclaim Their Championship Glory This Season?

As I sit here watching the Gonzaga Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming season, I can't help but wonder if this will finally be the year they reclaim that championship glory that's been just out of reach. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen numerous teams rise and fall, but the Zags' story remains particularly compelling to me. They've been knocking on the door of greatness for what feels like an eternity in sports terms, coming painfully close multiple times only to fall short when it matters most. This season feels different though - there's a renewed energy around the program that reminds me of their 2017 run to the championship game.

The recent changes in officiating standards across college basketball immediately caught my attention, particularly the new UAAP mandate that selected only 16 referees exclusively working based on merits. This system makes officials directly accountable for their mistakes, as penalized referees can no longer simply jump from league to league. From my perspective, this could significantly benefit a team like Gonzaga that plays with such discipline and precision. I've always believed that consistent officiating rewards fundamentally sound basketball, and the Zags epitomize that style. Last season alone, I counted at least three games where questionable calls directly impacted their performance, particularly in their heartbreaking 78-75 loss to UCLA where two critical fourth-quarter fouls completely shifted the game's momentum.

Looking at their roster construction this year, I'm genuinely excited about the blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent. Drew Timme's decision to return for his senior season gives them one of the most experienced big men in the country - a player who averaged 18.4 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Having watched him develop over the years, I've come to appreciate his footwork and basketball IQ, which I consider among the best in college basketball today. The addition of freshman guard Hunter Sallis brings explosive athleticism that the team desperately needed after losing two key perimeter players to the NBA draft. From my experience covering college basketball, this kind of balanced roster construction often separates good teams from championship contenders.

The coaching staff, led by Mark Few, represents what I consider the program's greatest asset. Few has been with Gonzaga for over twenty years, compiling an incredible 682-134 record during his tenure. His ability to develop talent and make in-game adjustments is, in my opinion, second to none in college basketball. I've had the privilege of watching his coaching evolution firsthand, and what impresses me most is how he's adapted his strategies while maintaining the program's core identity. His decision to implement more defensive schemes this offseason shows he understands exactly what this team needs to get over the hump.

When I analyze their schedule, the non-conference matchups against Texas, Duke, and Alabama will provide crucial tests before conference play begins. These early games will reveal much about their championship potential - I particularly want to see how they handle Duke's pressure defense, which gave them fits last season. The West Coast Conference schedule should be manageable, though I'm keeping my eye on the Saint Mary's games, which have become genuine rivalry matchups in recent years. From what I've observed, winning the regular season conference title matters less than building momentum for March, and I believe Coach Few understands this better than anyone.

The new officiating accountability measures come at an perfect time for Gonzaga's style of play. Having watched countless games where inconsistent refereeing affected outcomes, I'm convinced this change will benefit disciplined teams. The Zags committed only 14.2 personal fouls per game last season, ranking them among the cleanest defensive teams nationally. With referees now facing consequences for poor performance, I expect more consistent calls that should favor Gonzaga's fundamentally sound approach. This might seem like a minor factor, but in close tournament games, these small advantages often make the difference between cutting down the nets and going home empty-handed.

Their path through the NCAA tournament will undoubtedly present challenges, but I like their chances better this year than in recent seasons. The bracket construction always plays a role, and if they can secure a top seed in a favorable region, I believe they have the depth to make a deep run. Having followed their tournament performances closely, I've noticed they tend to perform better when playing closer to home, so geographic placement could be crucial. The development of their bench players throughout the season will determine whether they can withstand the grueling tournament schedule - last year's team clearly wore down in the championship game, getting outscored 15-4 in the final six minutes.

What really excites me about this Gonzaga team is their collective mindset. Having interviewed several players during the offseason, I sensed a determination that feels different from previous years. They're not just happy to reach the tournament anymore - they're hungry for that final victory. The leadership from Timme and Andrew Nembhard creates a culture of accountability that mirrors the new officiating standards in college basketball. In my view, this internal drive, combined with their talent and the changing landscape of college basketball, creates the perfect storm for a championship run.

As tip-off approaches for the new season, I find myself more optimistic about Gonzaga's chances than I've been in years. The pieces seem to be falling into place - the roster depth, coaching stability, favorable rule changes, and that burning desire to finally capture the elusive championship. While nothing is guaranteed in March Madness, something about this team feels special. They've learned from past disappointments and appear ready to write a different ending to their story. For the first time since their magical 2017 run, I genuinely believe Gonzaga has what it takes to reclaim their spot among college basketball's elite and finally hang that championship banner in McCarthey Athletic Center.