Gonzaga Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Bulldogs

Key Reserves

Coach Mark Few is notorious for running a strict eight-man (or less) rotation, but this year’s team is so deep across the board that it is hard to imagine him going with any less than nine players on any given night, and realistically he has 11 guys who should have no problem contributing if/when they are called upon.

Here are the reserves for Gonzaga’s squad that should make an impact in 2020-2021.

Oumar Ballo – Center

Timme will soak up most of the minutes at the five, but it will be up to Oumar Ballo, nicknamed ‘Baby Shaq’, to step into Timme’s old role as the valuable backup center.

Ballo has a tremendous wingspan and excellent athleticism, which should make him a good offensive player in time. For now, however, his expected contribution is primarily on the defensive side of the ball, where he could easily develop into one of the best shot-blockers in Gonzaga history – especially when he learns how to control his footwork.

Julian Strawther – Forward

The Zags don’t have a true backup power forward, but they could opt to go with two big men (Timme and Ballo) at times, or they could use versatile freshman Julian Strawther as a small-ball four.

Strawther is a certified bucket getter from Liberty High School who stands a cool six-foot-seven, with the athleticism to do just about anything he wants on the offensive side of the ball.

Strawther’s playing time will be something to watch, as the Zags tend to favor three-guard lineups in the WCC. With Kispert capable of playing 33-35 minutes per game, there may not be a lot of room for Strawther right out of the gate – although the opportunity to play some backup four could help him get on the court in year one.

Dominick Harris – Combo Guard

Harris, the third member of the Tricky Trio, will be the backup two-guard. Considering Mark Few’s tendencies to only play seven or eight guys in a rotation, it’s hard to know exactly how much the four-star freshman out of Rancho Christian HS will play in year one.

Harris is a slasher and a shooter, showcasing an excellent ability to get to the rim and knock down open threes. There is little doubt he will be a big-time player in Spokane, although a logjam of extremely talented guards ahead of him may make this more of a learning year for the 6’4 freshman.

Aaron Cook – Point Guard

Harris could challenge for backup minutes at the one, but I think a lot of those duties will be split between Ayayi and graduate transfer Aaron Cook.

Cook only appeared in six games his senior year at Southern Illinois, hence the extra year of eligibility, but he averaged 15 points per game in those contests, and 10.5 as a junior.

While he won’t replicate those scoring numbers at GU, he brings excellent defense (over three steals per game) and leadership to a very young group of guards in Spokane.

The last two pieces of the puzzle are a pair of international recruits from 2019 – Martynas Arlauskas and Pavel Zakharov.

Arlauskas is a high-energy wing who is capable of playing the 2-4 spots and showed a lot of potential in a limited role last season. I doubt his role will change much in year two, but he will find his way onto the court periodically.

Zakharov will once again occupy the third center role, although he could see more action if the Zags decide to play Timme as a forward at times this season.