Gonzaga Basketball: What makes the Bulldogs a national title favorite?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 11: Rui Hachimura #21 and Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate during a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Pepperdine Waves at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Waves 100-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 11: Perkins of the Bulldogs brings the ball up. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Josh Perkins is an elite senior leader.

Guard play is always one of the most important factors to consider when discussing who can make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. And while many of the other top contenders have great point guards, not many have a senior leader quite like Josh Perkins. One of the most experienced leaders and playmakers in the entire nation, Perkins has been a part of some great teams and he is the steadying force that drives Gonzaga. He might not be the “best player” on the team but he is what makes this team the well-oiled machine that it is.

To this point in the year, Perkins is averaging 11.0 points (.454/.368/.838), 2.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He is a more than capable scorer on his own with the ability to stroke it from three or knock down clutch free throws but he is also extremely responsible. Perkins is ranked fifth in the entire nation in assist-to-turnover ration and he is dishing out the most assists of anyone in the top-20 of the statistic. To put it simply, he understands how to dictate a game and keep everyone involved without making mistakes.

Additionally, he is a four-year starter who knows exactly how to win in March. With Perkins running the point, Gonzaga has made at least the Sweet 16 in three consecutive seasons and he also helped guide the team to the national championship game in 2017. He is the most poised and experienced point guard in the nation and he is the caliber of leader needed to keep this team operating at a high level when games get tight.