Gonzaga Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Bulldogs

By Karl Heiser | Nov 7, 2021

Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts on the bench against the Baylor Bears in the second half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Gonzaga Basketball head coach Mark Few Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Gonzaga Basketball Schedule Breakdown

Oct. 31 – Eastern Oregon (NAIA) [Exhibition]

Nov. 5 – Lewis-Clark State (NAIA) [Exhibition]

Nov. 9 – Dixie State

Nov. 13 – Texas

Nov. 15 – Alcorn State

Nov. 19 – Bellarmine

Nov. 22 – Central Michigan

Nov. 23 – UCLA

Nov. 26 – Duke

Nov. 29 – Tarleton State

Dec. 4 – Alabama

Dec. 12 – Washington

Dec. 18 – Texas Tech

Dec. 20 – Northern Arizona

Dec. 28 – North Alabama

Dec. 30-Mar. 8 – WCC Conference Play/Conference Tournament

After a very good non-conference slate last season, Gonzaga returns with another schedule filled with Power 5 matchups. They have the usual games against mid-major opponents, but the calendar is punctuated with some serious big-name programs. Mark Few will return from his DUI suspension in time to host a preseason top-five Texas team.

The Bulldogs will then have a few games to work out the kinks in preparation for matching up against another preseason top-five side in UCLA and then playing Duke just three days later. This two-game run will be a major test for the Zags which should mimic the short turnaround of the NCAA Tournament while pitting them against some very dangerous opponents.

Just over a week after facing the Blue Devils, Gonzaga will play Alabama in Seattle. The Crimson Tide was an Elite Eight team in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Before conference play begins, the Zags will take on two more P5 opponents when they play Washington at home and Texas Tech in Phoenix.

In all, Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule features four teams ranked in the AP Preseason Top 15 and another program that received votes for the Top 25. If anyone needs a litmus test to evaluate Gonzaga’s chances this season, those are the games to watch. They will play UCLA, Duke, and Texas Tech on a neutral court. The slate is riddled with nationally-televised games and opportunities for marquis wins.