Gonzaga Basketball: 5 takeaways from 2022-23 non-conference campaign

Dec 12, 2022; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Ben Gregg (33) and forward Drew Timme (2) celebrate after a play against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 88-67. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 6

Gonzaga Basketball guard Julian Strawther James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Rasir Bolton and Julian Strawther were good, but not great

Timme is the established best player on the team but the next two are Bolton and Strawther, who each play a big role on offense. Bolton was a top-10 three-point shooter last season, while the 6’7 Strawther is the best NBA pro prospect.

So far, Strawther is second on the team with 12.9 ppg, while averaging a career-high 7.7 rpg. That includes a 20-point and 14-rebound effort against Kentucky, while also going for 18 and 12 versus Washington. He’s played more at the four-spot than ever so the consistent rebounding from him has been impressive. Strawther is shooting over 40% from three-point range as well. His overall scoring hasn’t jumped but his overall game has improved.

It may have been impossible for Bolton to shoot at the level he did a year ago, making 39% from three-point range compared to 46%. But the biggest problem has been from inside the arc, going from 56% to 42% from the field. That inefficiency has been apparent for the 5th-year senior, which has resulted in a tale of two halves for him.

Bolton scored in double figures in 6 of the first 7 games of the season, including a season-high 24 points versus Kentucky. He’s had 10+ in just 2 of the past 5 games, though he did have 11 points in the win over Alabama. With Sallis and Smith available off the bench, a case can be made that Bolton doesn’t have to be on the court at all times but he’s still the kind of major threat from deep that opposing defenses has to respect.