NCAA Basketball: Strengths and weaknesses of each top-25 team for 2022-23 season
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Strength: Drew Timme
It was a last-minute decision but the Bulldogs are bringing back a 2-time All-American for the upcoming season, averaging around 19 ppg in the past couple of years. He’s one of the best low-post scorers in NCAA Basketball and nearly automatic from inside.
Gonzaga has lots of talent to surround Timme, including some quality perimeter scorers such as Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton, and Chattanooga transfer Malachi Smith. But as long as the efficient big man remains down low, the attention has to focus on him, or else Timme could easily go for 30 in a win,
Weakness: PG play
In the past 20+ years since head coach Mark Few has taken over at Gonzaga, its’ incredible rare for the program to have an open question at point guard. But with Andrew Nembhard gone, it’s likely former five-star prospect Nolan Hickman to take over. He had his ups and downs as a freshman backup last season but easily could be a breakout star as a sophomore.
Next. Top 25 team backcourts for 2022-23. dark
Right now, Hickman is Gonzaga’s “weakness” on paper because he’s the least proven player in the projected starting lineup. But if he plays well and can take over the lead guard position, the Bulldogs will have all holes covered and would be set to make another potential deep run in March.