Busting Brackets
Fansided

Gonzaga Basketball: Ranking set non-conference opponents for 2023-24 season

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts during a time out against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts during a time out against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Yale Bulldogs Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Yale Bulldogs Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Jackson State Tigers

2022-23 season record: 14-19 (12-6 SWAC)

Jackson State returned just about everyone from last season and actually had one of the top pickups this offseason in Ole Miss transfer Daeshun Ruffin, a star guard. Unfortunately, he recently suffered a season-ending injury and won’t play this year. Guards Ken Evans and Coltie Young, both of whom were double-digit scorers last season, will be tasked once again with running the offense for the SWAC contenders.

8. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners

2022-23 season record: 11-22 (6-14 Big West)

The Roadrunners were one of the worst-scoring teams in the country last season, ranking 4th-worst with 60.5 ppg. They do bring back guard Kaleb Higgins, who missed some time but still produced 13.1 ppg and 3.9 apg. Former Creighton forward Modestas Kancleris has dealt with injuries as well but should be back, along with Cal State Northridge transfer, Fidelis Okereke. Bakersfield could be annoying while trying to slow the game down but offense still will be hard to come by.

7. Yale Bulldogs

2022-23 season record: 21-9 (10-4 Ivy League)

Losing forward EJ Jarvis hurts but last season’s Ivy League regular season champs returns four other starters, all of whom averaged 10+ ppg. Guards John Poulakidas and August Mahoney are talented shooters that shot over 40% from deep, while leading scorer Matt Knowling is a contender for Ivy League Player of the Year. Northwestern transfer Casey Simmons gives the roster even more depth to work with. Of all the “buy games”, Yale will be the toughest challenge for Gonzaga Basketball.

Home/WCC Basketball