Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball: Gonzaga finally has challengers

By Doug Winkey

March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few speaks to the crowd against the Saint Mary's Gaels after the game in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few speaks to the crowd against the Saint Mary's Gaels after the game in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) runs away Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Utah 77-68. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) runs away Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Utah 77-68. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

2015-2016 record: 25-8 overall (15-3 WCC), Sweet 16 appearance

Head coach: Mark Few

Key losses: Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis, Eric McClellan, Kyle Dranginis

Key returning players: Josh Perkins, Przemek Karnowski, Silas Melson, Ryan Edwards, Bryan Alberts

Newcomers: Four-star guard Zach Norvell Jr., three-star forward Killian Tillie, Rai Hachimura, four-star center Zach Collins, Nigel Williams-Goss (transfer from Washington), Jordan Mathews (transfer from Cal), Johnathan Williams (transfer from Missouri), Jeremy Jones (transfer from Rice)

Despite Saint Mary’s strong attack, the Spokane-based program is still the top dog in this WCC basketball preview. Head coach Mark Few has stayed away from more high-profile jobs to turn Gonzaga into much more than a typical mid-major.

Gonzaga has their typical combination of experienced depth and promising newcomers. Josh Perkins, Silas Melson, and Przemek Karnowski (who is finally healthy) have been important pieces over the past few seasons, along with role players Bryan Alberts and Ryan Edwards.

Joining them is one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. McDonald’s All-American Zach Collins and high-major transfers Nigel Williams-Goss, Johnathan Williams and Jordan Mathews are members of the Bulldogs, while Zach Norvell Jr., Killian Tillie and Rai Hacimura could also make an impact in year one.

Next: Three burning questions for Virginia Tech

There is simply an overwhelming level of talent in Spokane that has the Bulldogs thinking about another long postseason run. Could they make their first Final Four ever?