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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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Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) plays against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) plays against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Player: Nigel Williams-Goss

While Przemek Karnowski was the focus of many game plans and Zach Collins was the Zags’ most efficient player, it was Nigel Williams-Goss who was the team’s best player. Williams-Goss, a junior transfer from the Washington Huskies, had huge expectations from the fans and exceeded every one of them.

Williams-Goss led the Zags in points, assists, steals, free throw percentage, and minutes. He also finished second in rebounds, which was impressive considering both Collins and Karnowski finished behind him.

Williams-Goss was the leader in many of Gonzaga’s close victories, playing his best basketball down the stretch. His leadership and effort made him a Wooden Award finalist, despite not having the same statistical numbers as other players.

Williams-Goss’ season makes him a possible NBA Draft pick, despite coming into the season without being named on any major mock draft. His decision to leave Gonzaga for the NBA Draft may puzzle fans, but it makes sense considering the uncertainty of staying an extra year.

Just like Zach Collins, Nigel Williams-Goss may have only played one season for the Zags, but that season will be remembered by Zags fans for a long time.