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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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Corey Kispert leading the Bulldogs to potential glory

Of all the key NBA Draft decisions this offseason, Kispert was in my opinion, the most important player to come back outside of Luka Garza. The 6’7 wing had a breakout junior season, going for 13.9 ppg and 4.0 rpg on 47% shooting from the field, while also making 44% from three-point range. He also was the experienced leader alongside Tillie and outside of the poor shooting against BYU, came through almost all the time last season.

As talented as this roster is, there isn’t a high-level of experience when it comes to the biggest moments. Kispert is the lone returning senior on the roster, while Ayayi and Cook are the only other upperclassmen. That could be one under the radar flaw compared to Baylor and Villanova but Kispert being around should help alleviate those concerns.

The wing also could be going after some individual awards as well. He could be the leading scorer on the team and with the coaches voting, could easily get the nod over Suggs for WCC Player of the Year as a senior.

The same goes for All-American and the Julius Erving Award for the nation’s top small forwards, where being on a top-3 overall team (assuming that’s how the season goes), will get someone on the team awarded. After losing so many great seniors last year, Kispert could be the beneficiary this time around.