Overview:
Another dominating campaign out of the West
Coast Conference. Without question this is the best
offensive team that Gonzaga has had, but some would
argue its not their best ‘team.” Still the Bulldogs
posted impressive non-league wins over Maryland and
Michigan State. And they continued to build on the
reputation of playing anyone-anywhere. The Zags
schedule included Connecticut, Memphis, Oklahoma
State, St. Joseph’s and Washington. They are
far-removed from the Cinderella label.
Possible Difference Maker: Adam Morrison gets
all the attention, but many in the WCC believe that
J.P. Batista is their best player. He’s not just a
good mid-major post player. He could play and star
in any league in America.
On Offense: They run a lot of two-man sets
for Morrison and Batista who runs and sits near the
tin. He is a load on the block. Morrison gets so
much attention for his ability to score in bunches,
but he has become very good in finding Batista and
others when he doesn’t have a shot.
On Defense: Erroll Knight and Jeremy Pargo
are solid defenders, but the concept of team defense
is almost non-existence. For the Bulldogs the best
defense is a good offense. They will simply try to
outscore you.
Strength: Their power game inside with
Batista and they also have some nice depth upfront.
And obviously Adam Morrison’s ability to score is
huge. He can score 12 in four trips down the floor.
When he starts to feel it, look out.
Weakness: Derek Raivio has simply not had a
good season. He doesn’t seem to be playing with the
same confidence he had last season when there was no
hesitation to let it go from beyond the arc. Beyond
that, their inability to defend well could prove
costly.
Key to Success: Batista’s knee. When he is on
the floor they are tough to handle offensively.
Without him they will struggle. They also need to
continue to get some good minutes off the bench.
Their depth is very good. Their second unit would be
a solid team in the WCC.
How to Beat Them: You have to limit Batista
and make Morrison work on every possession.
