If you've watched the Bulldogs play the last several games, you know this team is not where it needs to be if it wants to win the WCC Tournament, let alone get to the Sweet 16+ in the NCAAs. This team hasn't played a good game since the SMC/LMU home stand back in early February and has had a turnover epidemic pretty much all season.

Monday's opponent is the Longwood Lancers, an independent school out of Virginia. Longwood is a team that lacks size. Their leading rebounder and scorer is Antwan Carter, a 6'6" 225lb center; that's roughly the size of Guy Landry Edi. Even though the Lancers are undersized, one of the things I would like to see Few try is a lineup featuring Elias Harris, Sam Dower, and Robert Sacre. I think this lineup can offer so much on the offensive end, especially in terms of second chance opportunities. On the defensive end, a 2-3 zone with a back line of Harris, Dower, and Sacre would be very formidable. While I don't think this lineup is "the answer" to our problems, it is another look to throw at WCC opponents who will be seeing us for the third time in a matter of months.

Speaking of changing up looks, Few & Co. really need to mix things up on the defensive side of the ball. Playing a man to man defense all game is fine. But if you're going to do that, you need to mix up how you handle ball screens. Switching every single ball screen against USD left Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell over-matched trying to defend a 6'10" forward in the post. While Sacre and Harris can defend the perimeter fairly well, Pangos and GBJ picked up several fouls trying to get position against bigger opponents. I would also like to see us mix in some zone with our man to man. Even if it's only for a few possessions each game, it gives the offense something else to think about and forces to opponent to make an adjustment..

In general, two things that Gonzaga need to improve on for both of its upcoming tournaments are turnovers and hustle on the defensive glass. The Zags have had 32 turnovers and given up 27 offensive rebounds the last 2 games alone. I don't know if there's an overarching coaching concept that can be applied to limit both of these; it seems as if players need to smarter with the ball and play within themselves and have a willingness to box out their man, even if their man is the shooter or a guard.

What say you Zag fans? What would you like to see out of this team in its final tune-up game?

I was in attendance last night for the Zags game at SCU. Let me start off with this: if you thought you could get a close seat at the MAC, you can get even closer at the Leavey Center. I was sitting courtside...literally. Of course, you have to have some deep connections within SCU or be a serious donor to get these seats (for the record, I know some people, I definitely don't give that school any money, they don't need it!). You can sit in folding chairs opposite the team benches...Stick your leg out and you're on the court! That was awesome, I have never watched a NCAA or NBA basketball game from that close before!

In terms of the fans and atmosphere, it was rockin'. Obviously it was no K2, but that had to be the most energetic student section for a team winless in conference! I was decked out in my Gonzaga gear and definitely got trash talked quite a bit, but nothing I wouldn't expect the Kennel Club to do to SCU fans up at our place! :) They kept it classy although there were some halfhearted "Spokane Sucks" and "Safety School" chants at the end of the game. Not really gonna throw a fit about 2 frustration chants that aren't true!

Having never watched a game that close before, I have pretty much changed my opinion of Robert Sacre. I thought he was soft in the post...wrong! The man is an animal. He usually had 2 or even 3 guys pulling his jersey, hanging onto an arm, giving him bear hugs and dragging him away from the basket. He still managed to put up 20 points efficiently while getting fouled on just about every trip down the floor.

Also, Sacre and Kevin Pangos are the definite leaders of this team. You can't hear or even see it from TV, but every time down the floor on defense and offense, each are directing traffic and calling out sets. After fouls, they bring the huddle together and encourage teammates. It's really cool to be as close to the players as the coaches are, you can learn quite a bit more about what is going on in the game. Sacre also talks to refs on behalf of other players on his team. He was milking them the whole game, winking at them, making jokes...he even apologized for his taunting foul after the dunk. ("Sorry bout that, I get excited sometimes")

I could go on and on and on about what I saw on the court and off it (Gaz, I know you had some questions about the cheerleaders and dance team...) If anyone wants anymore of the "Juicy deets," I'd be happy to oblige. GO ZAGS!!!

The Zags finished off Oral Roberts tonight in a less than inspiring fashion. At times, they ran great offensive sets only to follow up by giving up an easy basket at the defensive end. Other times, they looked completely lost on offense while playing stifling defense after turning it over.

This team has essentially been consistently inconsistent all year long. The question I have is what will Guy Landry do for this team? What are our expectations for Edi coming in for the final 3/4 of the regular season

I think those that expect him to come in and average 12 pts, 6 reb, 2 steals, and 0 TOs right away will be let down. Edi is a JC transfer and as we saw with Carter last year and with other JCs in year's past, there is an adjustment period. While I think he will certainly help this team right off the bat on the offensive end, his main impact will be on the defensive end, matching up in most cases, against the opposing team’s best player.

This team is more than one player away from being an elite team. Inconsistent guard play, coupled with a “deep” frontcourt that until tonight, showed no depth. I think Edi is a great option for Few. I’d wager he sees 15 minutes of game time against Arizona, based on his athleticism and defensive ability alone. Early in his season, I don’t see Edi making a large impact on the stat sheet, but by the end of season, I wouldn't be surprised to see the numbers listed in the above paragraph in conference play. Only time will tell how Edi impacts this team, but I for one, am excited to see what the kid can do come Saturday! Go Zags!

Alright, the season is days away.  Let's have some fun to keep us entertained until the Zags start.  Here's a few predictions we can all do so at the end of the season, the person who is closest to reality can call the rest of us for what we really are - idiots.  Enjoy

Overall Regular Season Record:

Conference Record:

Do the Zags win the WCC Tournament? (if no, then who does):

Zag's Team MVP:

Zag's Newcomer of the Year:

NCAA Tournament Seed:

Furthest Zags Advance in NCAA Tournament:

Here's mine:

Overall Regular Season Record: 24 -5 (@ILL, MSU, ARIZ, @XAV, @SMC)

Conference Record: 15-1 (L @ SMC)

Do the Zags win the WCC Tournament?: Yes

Zag's Team MVP: Robert Sacre

Zag's Newcomer of the Year: Kevin Pangos

NCAA Tournament Seed: 4

Furthest Zags Advance in NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16

Just so you know, all of my answers are the right ones.  But seriously, can we not argue and call each other names on at least this fanpost? ;)

There have been many negative posts regarding the Kennel Club in the last week since the WSU and WF games, some of which I think are warranted.  As a member of the student section, I do not see any problem chanting "That ref sucks" or "Take his whistle" after a blatently bad call.  These chants are no different than just booing the officials.  However, the "Bull----" chant needs to go.  I believe that the only way this can happen is if it is addressed by the KC Board. 

Apart from the student section, there is not much noise coming from the crowd.  Is it that hard to stand up for a few minutes during key possessions and cheer for your team?  I'd like to hear some input from fellow KC members as well as other fans. 

GO ZAGS!