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The Best Wins, Players, and Moments of Gonzaga’s 2016-2017 Season

By Connor Hope

March 7, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrates after defeating the Saint Mary's Gaels in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 7, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrates after defeating the Saint Mary's Gaels in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) moves to the basket but is fouled by Northwestern Wildcats forward Gavin Skelly (44) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) moves to the basket but is fouled by Northwestern Wildcats forward Gavin Skelly (44) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Freshman: Zach Collins

At the beginning of the season, the Zags’ frontcourt was considered one of the best in the nation. With Przemek Karnowski and Johnathan Williams starting for the Bulldogs, freshman forward Zach Collins had to come off the bench.

The young seven-footer was underweight for a big man, and concerns about his toughness were valid. Collins, however, proved to be one of the best players in the country at fighting through contact and fighting for rebounds.

In fact, despite playing under 18 minutes per game, Collins averaged 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He also had the 5th highest Hollinger Player Efficiency Rating in the entire country.

Collins’ outstanding performance in the NCAA Tournament caused his NBA Draft stock to rise tremendously. His decision to declare for the draft and hire an agent makes him the first one-and-done player to play for Gonzaga.

Collins height and skill around the basket will lead to success in the NBA. Gonzaga fans, however, will remember him for the amazing year he had, helping the Bulldogs to the Final Four.