Fansided

5 reasons Gonzaga will return to the Final Four

By Sarabeth Pollock

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Strength in Returning Players

Another strength for Gonzaga is their depth. They have a deep bench with players who were able to come in and contribute throughout the season, providing some relief and support when the big guys needed a break.

Johnathan Williams and Killian Tillie are expected to return, along with Josh Perkins and Silas Melson. Freshman wing Rui Hachimura will also be back, and though neither he nor Tillie saw a lot of playing time, they were both integral throughout the season.

Zack Norvell Jr will be done with his redshirt year and he’s projected to be a high scorer for the team. 6-11 freshman Jacob Larsen will be back after tearing his ACL, and he’s expected to add some depth in 2018 as well.

With all of these players in mind, even if Nigel Williams-Goss and Zach Collins leave in the draft, and with the graduation of Przemek Karnowski and Jordan Mathews, Gonzaga will be left with a balanced team of talented players who can step into the vacated roles. The team’s veterans understand the Gonzaga program, and there are plenty of leaders to step up and guide the guys who sat out in 2017 and get them up to speed.