NCAA Basketball: 2018-19 Winners/losers of the week (version 1)

4. Winner – Josh Perkins

When Gonzaga was given the program’s highest ever preseason ranking at the No. 3, it was meant with some skepticism, although it mainly came from those who just won’t give the program their due. As for those who do view them as legit Final Four contenders, the consensus view is that senior point guard Josh Perkins is the biggest question mark as to the ceiling of the Bulldogs.

He’s a three-year starter who has a career 4.0 apg average and has a shot to not only be the NCAAs’ all-time leader in wins but also a shot to be Gonzaga’s all-time assist leader. There’s been a perception that Perkins has been turnover prone and comes up short when it matters the most.

With Killian Tillie out and backup point guard Geno Crandall still adjusting to the system, Perkins has looked great in the team’s first couple of games this season. He’s coming off of a 19-point and 11-assist game against Texas Southern, the first double-digit assist game for the program in a decade. If he’s the “weak spot” for Gonzaga this season, then Bulldogs fans might want to look for Final Four tickets.

No. 4 Loser – Monmouth

From a mid-major at the top of the world to one closer to the bottom, as Monmouth is far from the days of being the poster child for small school exclusions from the NCAA Tournament. Without star guard Justin Robinson the Hawks have struggled, hitting a potential new look this upcoming season.

So far, Coach King Rice’s team has fallen to Lehigh and Colgate by a combined 37 points. Making matters worse, those were the two easiest teams in the non-conference schedule, with teams like West Virginia and Kentucky coming up. Monmouth could go into MAAC play with two or fewer losses and be one of the worst teams this season. Not every mid-major can sustain success like Gonzaga.