Gonzaga Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bulldogs

Projected Starters

Josh Perkins

The Zags’ most experienced player on the court, Perkins has been apart of the program since 2014-15 and is the only player left on the squad to have started in their National Title appearance in 2017. With this maturity, Few will certainly look to number 13 to run the floor as the team’s starting point guard. A multi-function player, Perkins can make opponents pay from the three-point line, as he shot 39.3% from deep in 2017-18. Perkins is a master at creating plays as well; he averaged 5.3 apg, a team high.

However, the biggest issue that Perkins could face is his lack of security with the ball at times. The fifth-year-senior committed 2.1 turnovers per game last season, second only to Williams. If Perkins can keep the turnovers down, he will be a key part of a deep-run in March for the Zags.

Zach Norvell Jr.

While Norvell’s spectacular performance in the NCAA Tournament helped him become a common name in college basketball, his abilities were of little surprise to the everyday Gonzaga fan. In his first season with the Zags, Norvell led the team in scoring in four games, including his 28-point performance against Ohio St. in the round of 32. Norvell, the 2017-18 WCC Newcomer of the Year, will have little trouble with the leadership expected of him, as he started in 29 games last season.

Norvell, however, did at times commit some questionable drives, passes and shot choices last season, which most likely stemmed from his inexperience. As the game comes to him more, the sharp shooter should have little issues, and I expect him to increase his already impressive scoring average of 12.7 ppg last season. Also, his 80% free throw percentage in 2017-18, which is the best of all returning players, could help Norvell become the man the Zags trust in tight games.

Brandon Clarke

Of all the new players on the Gonzaga roster this season, Brandon Clarke may be the most exciting. Clarke transferred from San Jose St. in 2017 and had to sit out last season due to NCAA rules. The star of his former team, Clarke averaged 17.5 ppg and 8.9 rpg, while adding 2.6 bpg to his tally in the 2016-17 season. The redshirt junior chose Gonzaga over Oregon and Washington St. in the summer of 2017, and this should be a fantastic fit for both parties involved.

A menace in the paint offensively and defensively, paired with the Zags’ ability to develop big men as we have seen with Kelly Olynyk, Zach Collins, Przemek Karnowski, and loads of other big men, Clarke could emerge as one of the nation’s best frontcourt players on both sides of the ball. I expect Clarke and Hachimura to switch between the three and four spots this season depending on the opponent.

Rui Hachimura

The 6-foot-8-inch Japanese-born forward has made quite a name for himself at the collegiate and international levels alike. A preseason first team All American, Hachimura showcased his skills in the 2017 U-19 FIBA World Cup where he averaged 20.6 ppg, second only to Duke’s R.J. Barrett. Hachimura also was third in rebounds with 11 per game. Hachimura came off the bench in almost all of the Zags’ games last season, but still managed to record 11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in just 20 minutes of play.

With a reported 7-foot wingspan and 230-pound build with swift abilities to get to the rim, Hachimura is a scoring machine in the lane. If the 20-year-old continues to develop his perimeter game, the Bulldogs could have a Final Four worthy frontcourt and Hachimura will most likely hear his name early in the 2019 NBA draft, if he chooses to go.

Killian Tillie

One of the many things Gonzaga basketball has come to be associated with is its ability to land some of the best international players. Tillie, a junior Frenchman from INSEP High School (where former Gonzaga great Ronny Turiaf also went), returns to Gonzaga after testing the waters of the NBA draft in 2018. A very athletic 6’10” big man has the ability to impose his will in the paint with quick moves offensively and in shot blocking, as he averaged a block per game last season.

However, Tillie can also stretch the court, as he has a solid ranged shot, making 45 of his 94 3-pointers last season. However, Tillie missed the Zags’ Sweet 16 loss to Florida St. with a hip injury. If the WCC second-team big man can stay healthy, he may be a huge part of Gonzaga’s success, as he averaged 12.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 2017-18.