Gonzaga Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Bulldogs
By Tuck Clarry
Schedule Outlook
Just as any other year, the Zags are going out and playing anyone, anywhere. They participate in the Maui Invitational with a guaranteed matchup against top-ranked Purdue and then one of Tennessee or Syracuse, two teams with high expectations in the SEC and ACC. On the other side of the bracket are the juggernauts Kansas, UCLA and Marquette, along with host school Chaminade. Barring back-to-back losses, the Zags should be guaranteed to face not just three ranked teams but three teams with real national championship aspirations.
After Feast Week, they meet up with USC in Vegas on December 2nd for a massive early litmus test. The Trojans have a real shot at winning the Pac-12 this season and have arguably one of the most next-level rosters in the country, with the electric freshman Isiaih Collier leading the charge. This should be as clear of a test to what this Gonzaga defense can do against elite athleticism. The verticality of their frontcourt is unbelievable and Boogie Ellis might be one of the most underrated returning guards in college basketball.
The Zags then play two notable games on the West side of the state, playing the University of Washington and then defending national champions UConn at Climate Pledge Arena. The Huskies are a sneakily capable team that might make Gonzaga extend themselves to get the win. The Huskies look as talented last year and have a frontcourt that could pose problems and athletes on the wings that will make perimeter defense crucial. Just in the first two months of the season, Gonzaga plays potentially five top 30 teams, according to KenPom.
To close out 2023, the Zags play the national runner-up, San Diego State, at home on December 29th. It’s worth noting that this game will take place while students are on winter break. The Aztecs return a healthy portion of last year’s squad and offer a tough defensive matchup for the Zags to face headed into conference play.
In what appears to be an effort to ramp up before tournament play, Gonzaga will also pay a visit to Lexington and play Kentucky at Rupp Arena on February 10th. It’s tough to say at the moment what to expect from the Wildcats, who looked in deep trouble midway through the offseason with a roster predominantly comprised of freshmen. But with Antonio Reeves announced return, the Wildcats have some experience to help a team with uber-talented youth such as DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Justin Edwards.
It’s worth noting that the WCC coaches voted Gonzaga to finish second in the conference. As the season leads up to conference play, it will be interesting to see the development of the Zags against their rivals down in Moraga, Saint Mary’s. Where the Zags have a list of new faces, the Gaels bring back everyone but seniors Logan Johnson and Kyle Bowen.