NCAA Basketball: Key early-season tournament games for 2021-22 season

Gonzaga versus UCLA

The game between the Bulldogs and Bruins was so good on Apr. 3, 2021, that they are going to do it again on Nov. 23, 2021, this time at Sam Good. Gonzaga and head coach Mark Few may have lost starters Jalen Suggs, Joel Ayayi, and Corey Kispert – who cumulatively averaged over forty-four points per game last season – but they do have the No.1 ranked recruiting class. The Bulldogs were able to replenish their pool of talent with freshmen and talented transfers.

Not only will Iowa State transfer Rasir Bolton become the Bulldogs’ starting off-guard, but No.1 ranked freshman Chet Holmgren and No.17 freshman Hunter Sallis will start in the frontcourt. Those high-ranked freshmen will be joined by Second Team All-American Drew Timme. The UCLA Bruins will be offering a very similar squad as to the one that lost by three points to Gonzaga in the Final Four. The only difference is perhaps, the No. 8 ranked freshman Peyton Watson starts ahead of last year’s starter Jules Bernard.

The Bruins will have a talented transfer in Myles Johnson and a returning award winner as well, in All-Tournament Team member Johnny Juzang. One of the arguments for 6’8 Watson starting ahead of 6’6 Bernard is that it will allow Juzang to return to a starting role in the backcourt.  After averaging nearly 23 points in the NCAA tournament, the 13,800 fans that can fit into Pauley Pavillion will be happy seeing Juzang play anywhere, as long as it is in a blue and gold uniform.