With a seemingly infinite number of games on Monday, almost every Division One program in the country played. There are takeaways to be had, but real conclusions are hard to glean in a one-game sample size. However, overreacting and drawing conclusions is fun. So here is my overreaction to Day 1.
1) Gonzaga is the National Champion favorite
The Zags put on a show in what was supposed to be one of the day's best games. Mark Few's squad led wire to wire in a matchup of two preseason A.P. top ten teams. It ended up being a blowout, with Gonzaga winning, 101-63.
Gonzaga had five guys in double figures and another two with nine points. They look like one of the deepest teams in the country, and with a returning pair of stars in forward Graham Ike and point guard Ryan Nembhard, have the experience to make a title run.
While having an elite point guard in Nembhard, Khalif Battle and Nolan Hickman were awesome in the backcourt as well. Despite a somewhat inefficient shooting night, Battle looks like someone who could catch fire at any moment, while Hickman is the steadying, two-way, efficient partner to complement Battle.
This group of guards is among the best backcourts in the country, and if they outplay a backcourt with the talent of Jeremy Roach and VJ Edgecomb, they may be the best. Nembhard is one of the better pick-and-roll passers in the country, and they shot a combined nine-for-18 from three.
It's impossible to talk about this backcourt without mentioning Dusty Stromer and Michael Ajayi off the bench. Those two combined for 20 points and 14 rebounds off the bench, and give Mark Few five different guards he can play.
The talented trio of Ben Gregg, Braden Huff, and Ike also controlled the frontcourt. Those three combined for 38 points and 12 rebounds. Gonzaga in total outrebounded Baylor 45-32. Those three combine efficient shooting with a very effective interior scoring option in Ike, giving Gonzaga several options on play styles in the frontcourt.
Overall, this Gonzaga team is one of the deepest in the country and should be considered the favorite for the national title. The Zags have experience top talent, and Few is one of the best coaches in the country.