NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season
541. . . . Bulldogs . 1. team
NCAA Basketball power rankings – Gonzaga Bulldogs
As of now, the Bulldogs have a trio of players (Joel Ayayi, Corey Kispert, and Filip Petrusev) still in the NBA Draft process. But most indications are that they’re set to return for another season, limiting the departures this offseason to Ryan Woolridge, Admon Gilder, and Killian Tillie. All are tough losses but this team still has plenty returning.
Gonzaga has a historic newcomer to the team in Jalen Suggs, the program’s first-ever five-star commit to come straight out of high school. There was some talk that he would go pro in some fashion but in the end, he’ll be coming to Spokane. Joining him are four-star prospects Julian Strawther and Dominick Harris, as well as Southern Illinois grad transfer guard Aaron Cook. With Ayayi and Kispert starting alongside Suggs, the Bulldogs will have an all-around perimeter that can do anything.
That being said, the frontcourt will still be the strength of the team. Petrusev is the reigning WCC Player of the Year, with backup Drew Timme already considered as a future NBA Draft pick himself. Gonzaga also gets back forward Anton Watson, who showed real promise before a shoulder injury shut him down midway through the season. 6’11 center Oumar Ballo is a star in the making, while Pavel Zakharov is a former top-60 recruit who would start on most other D-I programs.
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Between the depth, shooting, athleticism, and the high ceiling of the individuals on the roster, it’s hard seeing how any team in the WCC can beat Gonzaga. They’re all but assured a 30+ win campaign and a top-2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With no real weakness to speak of and a culture and system that wins every year at a high level, the Bulldogs should be the No. 1 preseason team for next season… if everyone returns from the draft.