Gonzaga Basketball: Analyzing the 2018-19 rotation for the Bulldogs

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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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 21: Zach Norvell /

Small Forward

Minutes Allocation (40 total): Zach Norvell (10), Rui Hachimura (15), Corey Kispert (12) and Jeremy Jones (3)

Just a few years ago, the wing position was somewhat a weakness for the program, not having a guard of true size to play against bigger guards. That may have reared its ugly head in the national title game against North Carolina, where 6’3 Jordan Matthews had to deal with 6’8 forward Justin Jackson. Now for the 2018-19 season, it might be the team’s strongest position in terms of depth.

Norvell would’ve been the starter at the shooting guard slot, but Crandall coming in slides him to the small forward. He’s a potential 2019 draft pick and made great strides towards the end of last season so he has to get nearly 30 minutes a night.

Kispert was fantastic as a freshman the first 10 games of the season, scoring in double figures and starting. An injury took him out of the rotation and he wasn’t the same when he returned. He still managed to play 20 minutes a game and will be a great four-year player.

Hachimura is already having a great summer with the Japan National team and is a projected lottery pick for the 2019 NBA Draft. At 6’8 and 220-pounds, the Japanese sensation is unguardable in the WCC, evident by him monster games against both Saint Mary’s and BYU. He made great strides as a player but still needs to work on his decision-making skills and perimeter shooting.

With Kispert also getting plenty of time at the three-spot, look for a variety of lineups to be on the court. Any of them could be a starter come March, so look for analytics to play a key role after looking at the numbers.

Jones, a transfer from Rice hasn’t played too much in the two previous seasons with Gonzaga. He’s a solid defender and athlete but is an offensive liability. With him being a senior and good representative for the program, he’ll at least be the first off the bench in garbage time, as well as situational moments on defense.