Gonzaga Basketball: 5 keys to beat Kansas to open 2020-21 season

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 20: A basketball sets on the court prior to the start of the game between the San Francisco Dons and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 20, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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Gonzaga Basketball Andrew Nembhard (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Utilize “small ball” lineups to gain an offensive edge

Jalen Suggs isn’t the only high-profile guard Gonzaga brought in this offseason. They also landed former five-star and Florida Gator point guard Andrew Nembhard from the transfer portal. The 6’5 guard averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.5 apg in two seasons, including averaging 11.2 ppg last season.

When he committed to the Bulldogs, the intention was for him to sit out and redshirt in a similar way that Nigel Williams-Goss did a few years prior. However, the decision by the NCAA to give everyone an extra year of eligibility basically made this a “free year” for many players. The program applied and received a waiver, allowing Nembard to play on Thursday.

It’s hard to tell what this means for the current rotation for Gonzaga, given that it’s breaking news. Nembhard could very well come off the bench as the primary sub for Suggs and be the team’s 6th man but could also start in tandem with Suggs as “combo guards”.

In that scenario, that would push the 6’5 Joel Ayayi to the wing, and the 6’7 Corey Kispert at the power forward spot. That would, unfortunately, move redshirt freshman forward Anton Watson to the bench, although it may be better to have the more experienced Nembhard play more in this huge matchup.

Gonzaga was the top offense last season and was at its best when Kispert was at the four-spot. His ability to spread the floor (44% shooting from deep) allowed the team to use the lethal pick and roll setups. And with Kansas starting the 6’5 Christian Braun at the four in this game, the Bulldogs won’t have to worry about being exposed on the other end. Of course, if Braun starts to heat up himself, Watson can always come in to stop him.