NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22 season

Gonzaga’s run to the national title game last season met preseason expectations of a showdown with Baylor. The Zags just happened to have their worse game and lone loss of the year on the biggest stage. It was a rare misstep for the nation’s top-ranked offense and the offseason losses of Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, and Joel Ayayi this offseason raises questions about replacing production.

However, head coach Mark Few did a great job this summer reloading the roster to put the team in a position to operate without skipping a beat. Nearly tied with Suggs in assists per game, the return of Andrew Nembhard for his senior season is a huge piece for Gonzaga to retain this year. Expected to again lead the team as the primary offensive creator, Nembhard should find himself surpassing the 10 PPG barrier and smoothly transitioning the roster into the team’s new look this season.

Iowa State transfer Rasir Bolton will be a big help in that department as well for Coach Few. Bolton has averaged 13.7 PPG in his collegiate career, benefitting the team, but his production on the glass and as a facilitator are facets of his game that will significantly boost the Zags’ on-court efficiency. Outside of this duo, the Bulldogs will look to incorporate a platoon of young guns into the rotation.

The team’s frontcourt advantage with Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren will provide significant lineup versatility to utilize Dominick Harris, Nolan Hickman, Hunter Sallis, and Julian Strawther. Harris was unable to crack the rotation last season thanks to an experienced and productive starting group. However, he is physically a year ahead of Sallis and Hickman in the strength and conditioning program as well as adjusting to the college game.

The pair of freshman guards bring in consistent shot-making from the perimeter that could easily create sustainability in the rotation next season. The battle for the 3rd and 4th guard spots will be fun to follow next season, especially since Sallis and Hickman could surpass Harris. On the wings, however, Strawther brings both size and potential upside to the rotation.

His versatility as a physical presence inside the arc and a capable shooter should only enhance his likely contributions with the perimeter vacancies. He’s proven himself internationally including multiple 35-point games at the 2019 FIBA U17 Centrobasket tournament, making him a potential breakout player this season.

The addition of 5-star forward Chet Holmgren significantly increases the upside for this year’s roster. The backcourt boasts similar expected production, albeit with a younger group. The expectations are for the Zags to be heavy favorites come March.