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Gonzaga Basketball: Top 15 Players to Play for Head Coach Mark Few

By Tristan Freeman

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 90-84 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 90-84 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Nigel Williams-Goss #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts on the court in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Nigel Williams-Goss #5 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts on the court in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

5. Przemek Karnowski – Gonzaga Bulldogs (2013-2017)

Career stats: 9.8 rpg 5.4 rpg 1.1 apg

Statically speaking, it doesn’t make sense for the Polish mountain to be ranked that high. But from a tangible perspective, there might not be any more important. First, he was an incredibly great passer, who set up many good offensive chances for the team. He could’ve averaged 20 ppg in the WCC, but sacrificed to make others better.

More importantly, Karnowski ushered in a new defensive era for the program. Before he arrived, Gonzaga lacked the balance to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament on a yearly basis. But when he came and now after, the Bulldogs are a top-tier defensive unit. Better athletes certainly have helped, but Karnowski played a big role in it as well.

4. Nigel Williams-Goss – Gonzaga Bulldogs (2014-2017)

Career stats: 15.4 ppg 5.1 rpg 5.0 apg

He was at the program for just one season on the court, but it may have been the most important in school history. The Washington Huskie transfer came in and had an All-American season, averaging 16.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 4.7 apg. He won WCC Player of the Year easily in 2017, and led the Bulldogs to their first-ever Final Four appearance, with three 20+ point games in the Big Dance on the way there.

3. Matt Santangelo – Gonzaga Bulldogs (1997-2000)

Career stats: 13.8 ppg 3.3 rpg 5.1 apg

As you can see by the list, Few has enjoyed some quality point guard play over the years. The first was Santangelo, who was part of the magical runs to get this thing going. He’s the all-time assist leader in program history at 668 total. The 6’1 guard was also a great scorer, never averaging less than 12.7 ppg.

2. Dan Dickau – Gonzaga Bulldogs (1998-2002)

Career stats: 13.3 ppg 2.5 rpg 3.7 apg

A big part of Few’s success over the years has been through the transfer market. Dickau was the first notable player to come in and make an impact – and did he ever. After averaging around 19 ppg and six assists his junior year, he became one of the best in the country the following season, going for 21.0 ppg in route to winning WCC Player of the Year. If he didn’t come to Gonzaga, the program might not be where it is today. The fact that he came from hated rival Washington makes it all the more sweeter.

1. Adam Morrison – Gonzaga Bulldogs (2004-2006)

Career stats: 19.7 ppg 5.1 rpg 2.0 apg

His sophomore season of 19 ppg might have landed him on this list by itself, but what Morrison did his junior season separated him from the rest on the list. The 6’8 sharpshooter led the nation with 28.1 ppg, with many of his shooting numbers ranking towards the top as well. He was named the Wooden Award winner for best player, going head-to-head with Duke’s JJ Reddick throughout the year for the spotlight in 2006.

Next: Top 15 Players for Dave Rose of BYU Basketball

His heartbreaking final seconds in the Big Dance became a lasting visual for March Madness, but what that season did for Gonzaga’s exposure and for future recruits was just as high as Morrison’s scoring himself. With even better recruits coming in, there’s a good chance that this list will look completely different in 10 years.