Gonzaga Basketball: Key storylines for 2019-20 battle against Alabama State
By Andy Patton
Gonzaga Basketball opens up their non-conference slate with a home matchup against Alabama State of the SWAC. Here are four key storylines for this game.
Gonzaga Basketball lost four key starters from last season’s squad: three of them (Zach Norvell, Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke) jumped to the NBA while Josh Perkins graduated.
The team also lost key depth pieces in Geno Crandall, Jeremy Jones and Greg Foster, giving them a very new look heading into the 2019-20 season.
Despite the changes, the Zags are still ranked just inside the top-10 by nearly every major outlet, in part thanks to returners Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie and Filip Petrusev, but also thanks to the No. 12 ranked recruiting class in the nation, and the additions of transfer guard Ryan Woolridge (North Texas) and Admon Gilder (Texas A&M) who each provide valuable experience and solidify what should be once again an above-average backcourt.
The Zags open up the season against Alabama State, continuing their tradition of bringing SWAC schools across the country to play in the kennel. Alabama State is one of the 30 worst D1 schools in the country and lost its leading scorer from last year, so this one could get ugly fast.
For those willing to stick it out, here are four key storylines to watch for as this one unfolds on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. PT.