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Gonzaga Basketball: Five pros and cons of picking the Zags to another Final Four

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Gonzaga Bulldogs players huddle on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Gonzaga Bulldogs players huddle on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: (L-R) Silas Melson
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: (L-R) Silas Melson /

Why They Will: Balance

As was the case last season, Gonzaga is a team that can attack you from anywhere on the floor with multiple weapons. This allows them to succeed when one of their players is struggling and prevents opponents from keying on any one player on defense.

The Zags have five players averaging over 11 points per game, with Silas Melson not far behind at 9.5 points per game. Mark Few has a player who can handle almost every defense that is thrown at his team.

If the Zags face a zone defense, watch for Rui Hachimura to break it with his ability to make shots or drive to the basket from the middle of the zone. If the Zags are paired against a man-to-man defense, Killian Tillie could emerge as the Zags biggest threat, as his ability to shoot the ball and score around the basket provides a tough cover for most bigs. Zach Norvell has the ability to make tough contested shots, Johnathan Williams has the strength to finish through contact, Josh Perkins drives well and opens up players on the perimeter, and Silas Melson can start fast breaks with his pesky on-ball defense.

With so many ways to score, the Zags will be ready for any team in the West region.