Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: 10 key storylines to watch for 2020-21 season

By Tristan Freeman

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Gonzaga Bulldogs t-shirts are draped over stadium seats prior to the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 18, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Gonzaga Bulldogs t-shirts are draped over stadium seats prior to the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 18, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Jan 16, 2020; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2020; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Timme set for a major sophomore campaign

The offseason wasn’t all great news for Gonzaga, as starting center and WCC Player of the Year Filip Petrusev elected to go pro and forego college. The 6’11 forward led the team with 17.5 ppg and 7.9 rpg and played big in many of the Bulldog’s big victories last season. Yet still, his leaving meant little to no difference in how folks viewed the team for 2020-21.

That’s because his natural replacement at the five-spot Drew Timme is considered to be one of the best big men in all of NCAA Basketball. As a freshman, the Texas native averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 20 mpg, which would be nearly 20 and 10 per 40 mpg. He came off the bench for most of the season and was the primary backup for both Petrusev and Killian Tillie.

He was impressive on both ends of the court no matter who he was paired with. It could’ve been awkward with both Timme and Petrusev since they’re each centers but the freshman handled the power forward position well, including guarding some small forwards from the WCC.

Now, he’ll be back to being at center, with forward Anton Watson back from injury. Timme has an old school low-post game that few can handle on and one and is a great passer and rebounder. With an expanded three-point shoot, he can be a nightmare matchup for most interior players. Look for him to have similar stats compared to Petrusev for the upcoming season and a shot to have his own Conference Player of the Year Award.