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Gonzaga Basketball: Ranking non-conference opponents for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few during the first half against the Saint Mary's Gaels at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few during the first half against the Saint Mary's Gaels at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago State Cougars Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago State Cougars Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Chicago State Cougars

The Cougars are now an independent program after leaving the WAC and have consistently been one of the worst D-II programs. They did win seven games a year ago, which is an improvement for them. And with the return of double-digit scorers, Bryce Johnson and Jahsean Corbett, along with Dayton transfer and former top-50 prospect, Elijah Weaver, Chicago State have a shot at being at least a threat against lower-level mid-majors.

11. Portland State Vikings

The Vikings had six players who averaged at least 9.8 ppg last season but just one player is back in guard Michael Carter (10.3 ppg and 2.7 apg). They added a number of newcomers, including Montana transfer Cameron Parker and Bobby Harvey from IUPUI. Portland State is the first opponent for Gonzaga Basketball in the PK85 and should be a fairly easy matchup.

10. Northern Illinois Huskies

Although NIU finished near the bottom of the MAC last year, they return one of the best guards in the league in leading scorer Keshawn Williams (16.3 ppg), along with starting point guard Kaleb Thornton. 6’8 forward Anthony Crump was a starter at Middle Tennessee State and Oluwasegun Durosinmi adds needed frontcourt depth but the Huskies will need to find help for Williams in order to be competitive.