Some critics are starting to believe that Gonzaga has lost out on its window of winning the National Championship.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2017 National Championship, lost in the regional semifinals in 2018, lost in the 2019 regional finals, failed to beat Baylor in the National Championship in 2021, and were knocked out by Arkansas in the regional semifinals this season.
Have you noticed something though? Gonzaga doesn’t have a single odd loss like Kentucky losing to St. Peter’s or anything like that. The Bulldogs are always in the regional semifinals and have made the National Championship game in two of the last five seasons.
Some Bulldogs Leaving
It’s unclear how many Gonzaga players will leave for the NBA draft. It’s already obvious that Chet Holmgren is darting Gonzaga for the NBA. We’ve also heard that Julian Strawther has declared for the NBA draft as well, however, he’s maintaining his option of returning to Gonzaga. Strawther could be back along with Drew Timme.
Join Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
There’s even potential for Andrew Nembhard and Rasir Bolton to return for their fifth seasons. Maybe Gonzaga is still in the transfer portal looking for the next impact player for this team.
If Timme leaves, Gonzaga will go after transfer bigs in the portal. Right now, the projected lineup is loaded with talent, including four new starters in Nolan Hickman, Hunter Sallis, Anton Watson, and Ben Gregg along with Strawther, who eventually, is believed to return.
It’s expected that the Bulldogs will get a ton of production out of Hickman and Sallis along with Strawther. That’s why, if Timme is gone, you can expect Mark Few to go find some transfer bigs that can play with those three.
The largest problem for Gonzaga will be rebounding, especially with Timme and Holmgren being out of the picture. Currently, Gonzaga is about +1400 to win the National Championship at the NCAAB futures odds. So while the Bulldogs aren’t first on the list, the Bulldogs are up there, like they are every year.
Conference Change Ahead?
There have also been rumors that Gonzaga could end up competing in the Big East in the near future. Legs to that rumor haven’t really taken off and Gonzaga is on the other side of the country in comparison to all the other Big East schools. But a new conference would definitely challenge Gonzaga more and maybe help the school become more prepared for the NCAA Tournament.
BMR Community: NCAAB Men’s Basketball Betting Forum
But it’s not like the WCC destroyed Gonzaga’s hopes and dreams. Gonzaga has made it to two National Championship games in recent years. They’re a team that is well-coached with plenty of talent. You can go to Gonzaga knowing that recruiters will be watching you and that you have a chance to make the NBA by going there.
What’s better than that? So if a couple of spots open up on the roster, Mark Few won’t have any trouble adding new players to the roster. Everyone wants to play for Gonzaga.
The Bulldogs are always one of the best teams in the nation, dominating the competition and enjoying every second of it. Nobody has ever come out and said how much they hate it at Gonzaga. Because they never lose in the regular season.
Gonzaga is always a threat to make the Final Four. Every year.
Calculators
