zagsfan

I note with interest the repetitive rate that the '02 Gonzaga/Wyoming game is brought up. I also notice that a couple of key facts seem to be missing.Wyoming was the outright Champion of the #7 RPI Conference in the nation that year (Mountain West Conference). They were sent to a conference foe's home floor (only New Mexico has won more games in the Pit than Wyoming). The Cowboys came down from their Laramie campus 7,200 foot elevation to play at 6,500 feet.Now, Gonzaga has respect for the MAC (#21 conference this year) but at least we're not playing the game at elevation at one of your foe's home court.Also, while it is true that during Gonzaga's current 10 year NCAA tourney streak (extended to 11 this season) the Zags have been one and done three times -- it's also true that they've been to the Sweet 16 (or beyond) four times.It should be a great game on Thursday. I'm looking forward to it.No I didn't leave anything of note out. Those talking heads on ESPN and some run of mill fans don't do their homework. I do my homework.Wyoming was 21-7 and 11 Seed at large in 2002. San Diego St won the MWC tourney in 2002 and was the champion of the MWC in 2002. The game was played Albuquerque, New Mexico which is hardly a home game for Wyoming.The Zags were 28-2 and whined about not being Number One Seed. If, the Zags were as good as they claimed they could have beaten Wyoming in Laramie like unranked 10 loss San Diego St did that season. The last seven seasons Gonzaga has made the sweet 16 once 2006. The Zags were one and done 2008 and 20072005 2nd round 2004 2nd round2003 2nd round2002 one and done.All i can say, is that the winner of the Zags/Zips game will be playing a very good WKU team in the 2nd round. That's right, the dreaded 12-5 matchup will upset again. IMO, even fully healthy, Illinois is the worst of the top 7 seeds

pst4:25 PT which is 7:25 ET...We are battling Minn/Tx (7:10), Clem/Mich (7:10), and Nova/American (7:20) for TV time

It's always great to have a civil, non-trash-talking visitor from an upcoming Zips opponent visit this forum. You wouldn't know unless you've followed these forums that many forum members here have spoken about wanting Akron to become the "Gonzaga of the East." So we obviously have a great deal of respect for what Gonzaga has accomplished. We really thought our run might begin when the highly recruited 7-foot Zeke Marshall arrives next year, but Zeke's soon-to-be teammates over-achieved and made the Big Dance a year earlier than most anticipated.It appears that Akron and Gonzaga have similar philosophies with the focus on tough defense. From all I hear the Zags play tough but clean, and the Zips are the same. So it should be a great game.Will be interesting to see how much the media plays name games with the Zips vs. Zags thing. ;)Stop back and visit again, and feel free to ask questions.Thanks so much Dave in Green, i also encourage you visit our teams forum. It will give you a lot of information as we have a great community there with a lot of topics you may be interested in. I suggest you scroll through the last fews weeks as we have been doing player reports throughout the WCC tourney. The link is here http://www.guboards.spokesmanreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2As for the above topic of Downs/Gray questions above. Downs is our new starter, has been for the past 5 games or so. Gray is a GREAT shooter who is battling a confidence issue right now. When he is on, he is ON. He can come into a game and score 12 straight points and be the best player on both sides of the court. Or he can struggle and not get the looks to snap out of it. Downs is an ex Kansas Jayhawk who transfered over to us 3 seasons ago. He had very high potential coming into kansas and they did not have space for him so he transferred to GU. He underachieved as until this upcoming season where he showed signs of greatness. Saying this, he is on fire right now, the confidence is there, he is attacking the rim for ally-oops and playing smart defense. He won WCC tournament MVP and he is a great guy in the dressing room. You will see Downs starting with Gray coming off the bench. We have a very deep starting 5 which you will see play a lot of minutes. You will see Gray come in for Downs and Goodson come in for Pargo. You may not see Heysvelt, Bouldin and Daye come off the floor very much.

Gonzaga fan here, just wanted to congratulate you on your ncaa bid. I watched you championship game vs. Buffalo and your a strong team.Just wanted to say good luck, and im sure it will be a great game!