The case for Rui Hachimura and the ‘Zags to be your national champion.
This isn’t the year to bring up the familiar March talking point that Gonzaga hasn’t played anyone. Before making light work of their conference foes in the WCC once again (uh, at least until the tournament title game), the ‘Zags played would could be argued as one of the country’s toughest non-conference schedules.
That included a championship-run at the Maui Invitational highlighted by a win over Zion Williamson and Duke. It featured a neutral site game against a powerful Tennessee squad that the ‘Zags dropped by three in overtime, and a true road loss to North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Those were Gonzaga’s only two losses all season before losing to St. Mary’s in the WCC tournament title game. This is a team that was expected to be among the country’s best in the preseason and has lived up to it every step of the way. It’s a team with multiple stars within a versatile roster that can play both ends of the floor. It’s a team has proved itself against elite competition by defeating Duke.
Gonzaga went all the way to the national title game two years ago before falling to North Carolina amid questionable officiating. This team might be even better.
Three reasons Gonzaga can win the national championship
Brandon Clarke is a superstar hiding in plain sight
Clarke transferred into Gonzaga this season from San Jose State with modest expectations, hoping to play a role in a front court rotation that already featured established stars Rui Hachimura and Killian Tillie. He’s been so much more than that: As Tillie battled injury, Clarke emerged as not just the best player on Gonzaga, but arguably the best player in the sport this side of Williamson.
Clarke is the most dominant defender in America, an imposing rim protector who also has the quickness to stick with guards on the perimeter. Offensively, all Clarke does is shoot nearly 70 percent from the field, combining high IQ and soft touch to find intuitive ways to score on rolls the basket, one-dribble floaters, and putbacks.
Clarke isn’t just the glue that ties Gonzaga together; he’s the reason this team is this good in the first place. March Madness will be his coming out party.
Multiple players can carry the offense
If Clarke is Gonzaga’s best player, junior forward Rui Hachimuri is its biggest star. Hachimura has been an offensive dynamo for the ‘Zags all season, splashing jumpers and bullying opponents in the paint on his way to averaging 20 points and six rebounds for the season. He already might be the best Japanese basketball player ever, and he will be the Bulldogs’ primary offensive option in the tournament.
If Hachimura has an off-night, Zach Norvell or Killian Tillie can come to the rescue. Norvell is a redshirt sophomore shooting guard out of Gonzaga who sunk Ohio State in last year’s tournament. The 6’4 scorer can rain three-pointers or help get the offense going as a passer. Tillie returned from injury for the ‘Zags in the WCC tournament. He’s a skilled forward who can stretch the floor or score inside.
If Tillie is healthy, the ‘Zags have an embarrassment of riches. This team can beat you in so many different ways.
Josh Perkins gives Gonzaga a veteran point guard
It’s easy to forget now, but Josh Perkins almost went down as a March Madness legend. He caught fire in the first half of Gonzaga’s national title game against North Carolina in 2017, nearly playing the hero for the mid-major team stepping into the national spotlight. Perkins is a senior now and his steady hand will be a major asset as the ‘Zags try to get back to the Final Four once again.
Perkins is a solid scorer (11 points per game) and playmaker (6.5 assists per game) who can also hit an outside jump shot. What he lacks in athletic burst and lockdown defensive ability he can make up for with composure and experience.
Having a veteran point guard can make a huge difference in March. The ‘Zags are counting on it.
The path for Gonzaga to win it all
The bad news for Gonzaga is they might have the toughest path to the national title of any No. 1 seed. Fortunately for Mark Few, they’re good enough to handle it.
Gonzaga could have to face Syracuse’s confusing 2-3 zone in the second round. It might have Florida State — who went to the Elite Eight last year — or Markus Howard and Marquette in the Sweet 16. In the Elite Eight, Gonzaga could face Michigan or Texas Tech.
A matchup with Duke is potentially waiting in the Final Four.
It won’t be easy, but if the ‘Zags make a national title run this year, it will be hard to ever doubt them again. If any team can navigate a field this tough, it’s the ‘Zags.