Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for the Bulldogs against North Alabama

By Brayley Crowe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs moves the ball past Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs moves the ball past Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogshangs in the air before shooting over Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogshangs in the air before shooting over Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

2. Feed Clarke and Hachimura

Gonzaga can score in many different ways, as four players are averaging over 10 ppg, while another two are adding at least 8.8. But there is no denying that Clarke and Hachimura are the Zags’ strongest offensive options. Hachimura is averaging 21.7 ppg and Clarke is averaging 17.2. The two are strongest in the paint, but both can wreak havoc in other manners. Clarke has showcased his abilities to move with the ball, requiring his defenders to step out to wherever he is on the court. And Hachimura may as well patent his jumper from the free-throw line.

With their combined 38.9 ppg, the two are accounting for 41.4% of the Zags ppg. With their respective numbers, the two have solidified their cases for player of the year awards. Hachimura and Clarke have extremely complementary playing styles for the two, which only benefits the squad more. Hachimura is an incredibly athletic player and has had success driving coast-to-coast while being a menace to guard in the paint. Of course, his jumper is improving more and more as his career progresses, which requires defenders to stay more true to him.

Clarke on the other hand, at 6’8″, has asserted the key as his home. As said before, the junior has strong handles for a player of his stature, and his hook shot is phenomenal. Few players have effectively matched up with Clarke thus far this season, with his fewest points in a game this season coming against Washington where he was held to 10 points on 4-11 shooting. Aside from that, Clarke has rarely struggled this season, with his next fewest point total being 10 against Illinois, but he shot 4-4 in that game. With a less-than-impressive points against total, it seems unlikely that North Alabama can do much to deter Clarke.

Hachimura is shooting 58% from the field thus far for the Zags, while Clarke had scored on 70.8% of his shots this year, No. 12 in the nation. A threatening duo for nearly every team in the land, North Alabama will have their hands tied in trying to apprehend either player, let alone both. And once Killian Tillie is back on the court, these three may comprise the strongest frontcourt in America.