Gonzaga is not a sleeper, they will win it ALL!

[Dr Z]

keep in mind, this was written Friday...The Gonzaga Bulldogs are not my sleeper team. They're my pick to win the whole thing. If you're still talking about the 18-point loss to Memphis, then you obviously haven't seen the Zags play in the last month.Memphis did not expose Gonzaga as inferior. The Tigers gave the Zags focus, a purpose and a chip. Since losing to Memphis, the Zags have been steamrolling opponents, winning by 37, 34, 8, 11, 50, 35 and 25 in their last seven games.You say "weak competition in the West Coast Conference." I say it's no different from Memphis playing in Conference USA. If the Tigers don't fold at the end of regulation last year, they beat Kansas in the national-title game.OK, Gonzaga may not have a Derrick Rose, but have you seen Austin Daye? This kid is 6-foot-11 and can put it on the floor like a guard and pull up on the perimeter like one, too. He's a poor man's Kevin Durant, only with a better understanding of how to win.Senior Josh Heytvelt, also 6-11, is a pro too. So is 6-5 guard Matt Bouldin.Micah Downs, a 6-8 swingman, is the player likely to determine just how far the Zags advance. If he's stroking it from beyond the arc, Gonzaga will win it all. The whole story can be found by clicking hereIf you guys are having a hard time filling out your brackets let this site do it for you. It took me 7 clicks to get Akron to advance.

[meatwad]

If you guys are having a hard time filling out your brackets let this site do it for you. It took me 7 clicks to get Akron to advance.

9 clicks for me. Interesting site.

[zen]

fourth click... I set the upset tolerance to 5

[bigham78]

No offense to Zags fans.But, another ESPN talking head not doing his work.Zags have good team.But, give me break when you're blowing out the dregs of WCC many whom would lose to 3rd and 4th place MAC teams. Those 8 and 11 point wins he fails to mention those were Vs sub .500 if not for poor shooting nights these teams could have upset Gonzaga.I notice he didn't include since they were blown out by Memphis the 2 point win over a St Mary's minus their leading scorer and 5 point win over a lousy San Francisco team once again poor shooting did them in Vs the Zags. It also failed to mention Memphis lead then by as much as 28 points before the Zags made run to make the final score little more respectable.Austin Daye is nice talent. But, like his teammates is inconsistent. He'll shoot 3-13 one game and turn around and shoot 10-13 in the next.Matt Bouldin similar. He's 1-6, 2-9 or 3-9. He found his stroke Vs the dregs of WCC. I'm sorry let me see him maintain that stroke Vs something a bit better 3-28 LMU, 16-17 Santa Clara, 9-23 Pepperdine.There was another Gonzaga team that ended the season blowing out the dreg of the WCC and playing similar basketball and whinying about not being Number one seed at 28-2.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.But, I don't see them cutting down the nets. Come April 6th.

[RootforRoo44]

No Zags....Zips.They aren't making it out of the first round. The Sweet 16 is in our destiny.

[GoZags]

No offense to Zags fans.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.

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.

[bigham78]

No offense to Zags fans.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.

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.

[GoZags]

No offense to Zags fans.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.

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.

Wyoming was 11-3 and were the '01/'02 outright Champions of the Mountain West Conference. "Outright" means they weren't tied -- they won it outright. They finished a game ahead of 2nd place Utah, and two games ahead of third place UNLV. They did not win their post season Conference tourney. They were seeded 11th and beat Gonzaga in the 11/6 game. I know you don't have much experience in the NCAA tourney -- so I'll let you know that when a team draws an opponent that get's to play on the home court of a conference foe -- there are a couple of things that come in to play. Familiarity (particularly at altitude) and the fact that conference foes generally root for their own OOC. Now, those aren't obstacles that can't be overcome -- but they do exist.BTW, A total of 22 schools have more wins in the NCAA dance than Gonzaga over the past 5 seasons. Those past 5 seasons include the past two years' "one and dones". We'll see how the Zags do this post season with a healthy Josh Heytvelt.CRPI Rank Non-Conference 0.5463 8 Overall 0.5497 7 Shaded teams made the tournament 2001-2002 Standings Conference Overall Div I R/S School W L Pct W L Pct W L Pct RPI Rank Wyoming 11 3 0.786 21 8 0.724 20 8 0.714 0.5592 63 Utah 10 4 0.714 21 8 0.724 19 8 0.704 0.5906 31 UNLV 9 5 0.643 20 10 0.667 20 10 0.667 0.5666 51 San Diego St 7 7 0.500 21 11 0.656 19 11 0.633 0.5823 39 BYU 7 7 0.500 17 11 0.607 16 11 0.593 0.5657 52 New Mexico 6 8 0.429 16 13 0.552 16 13 0.552 0.5581 66 Colorado St 3 11 0.214 12 18 0.400 10 17 0.370 0.4948 163 Air Force 3 11 0.214 9 19 0.321 9 19 0.321 0.4804 198

[zagsfan]

No offense to Zags fans.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.

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

[Roflstomped]

Nevermind realize it's just one fans misguided thoughts

[zippy5]

big guy in GA:Yes the 2002 zags have so much to do with this years team good job... DO you really think akron is gonna keep it close with gonzaga? a team that goes 10-6 in the MAC... barely get out of the 1st round of your conference tourney in OT against a team with 7 wins?!?!?!? Give me a break guy...don't make a post disprespecting and downplaying what the zags has done when you guys want to call yourselves the zags of the east my friend,... Winning a game in the NIT does not make you the zags of the east...

hey douchebag, we want to be Gonzaga of the east. I have the most respect for your program, and we aren't anywhere close yet. But I would like to see Akron emulate the success of Gonzaga.

[zagfan5]

This argument about the 2002 zags team has no relation to this year, that was 7 years ago, a completely different team. but if you want to argue that game, you can let us know after thursdays game how your trip to the west coast was? A place that will be PACKED with zag fans and a gym very familiar to a lot of our players. We respect the Zips and you guys have had a good run over the past few years and we hope it continues. I watched your championship game and you played well, your seed and first appearance in 20+ years is well deserved. By the time thursday rolls around we will have had 10 days off and may be a little rusty to start and we know we will be in for a fight. We would much rather see another mid-major team continue to do well than see BCS teams dominate the NCAA tourney. We look forward to a great game on thursday!

[bigham78]

No offense to Zags fans.Wyoming 73 Gonzaga 66 1st round. Don't get me wrong. I feel this Zags team should make nice run in this tourney and not make their usual as of late first round exit.

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.

Wyoming was 11-3 and were the '01/'02 outright Champions of the Mountain West Conference. "Outright" means they weren't tied -- they won it outright. They finished a game ahead of 2nd place Utah, and two games ahead of third place UNLV. They did not win their post season Conference tourney. They were seeded 11th and beat Gonzaga in the 11/6 game. I know you don't have much experience in the NCAA tourney -- so I'll let you know that when a team draws an opponent that get's to play on the home court of a conference foe -- there are a couple of things that come in to play. Familiarity (particularly at altitude) and the fact that conference foes generally root for their own OOC. Now, those aren't obstacles that can't be overcome -- but they do exist.BTW, A total of 22 schools have more wins in the NCAA dance than Gonzaga over the past 5 seasons. Those past 5 seasons include the past two years' "one and dones". We'll see how the Zags do this post season with a healthy Josh Heytvelt.CRPI Rank Non-Conference 0.5463 8 Overall 0.5497 7 Shaded teams made the tournament 2001-2002 Standings Conference Overall Div I R/S School W L Pct W L Pct W L Pct RPI Rank Wyoming 11 3 0.786 21 8 0.724 20 8 0.714 0.5592 63 Utah 10 4 0.714 21 8 0.724 19 8 0.704 0.5906 31 UNLV 9 5 0.643 20 10 0.667 20 10 0.667 0.5666 51 San Diego St 7 7 0.500 21 11 0.656 19 11 0.633 0.5823 39 BYU 7 7 0.500 17 11 0.607 16 11 0.593 0.5657 52 New Mexico 6 8 0.429 16 13 0.552 16 13 0.552 0.5581 66 Colorado St 3 11 0.214 12 18 0.400 10 17 0.370 0.4948 163 Air Force 3 11 0.214 9 19 0.321 9 19 0.321 0.4804 198

Wyoming was put out by Arizona 68-60 at the same site in the next game.Utah was beaten by Indiana 75-56 1st round.Illinois beat San Diego St 93-64 1st round.If, you're trying to impress me with 2002 MWC. These scores indicate how truly weak the comference actually was in 2001-2002.The only game the MWC won was Wyoming beating Gonzaga.I'm writing in response to Whitlock column and I've already said The Zags have far too much firepower for Akron.I disagree with Whitlock and his Gonzaga goes all the way.I'm giving information and opinion why I feel sweet 16 is best case for this Zags team.

[bigham78]

Nevermind realize it's just one fans misguided thoughts

I not misguided about anything.My comments and opinions are directed at Whitlock column. You and other Zags fans are jumping on me for the fact happen to be a Zips fan as well.For the record The Zags will beat Akron more then likely double digits. I hope the Zips can keep it under 20.I'm a college basketball fan and have been one all life and love this time of year. I disagree with Whitlock column and if Zags fags will truly remember losing to Memphis by 18 and trailing by 26 points in that game and the stretch earlier this season when they lost three straight. I suggest you don't believe the hype and set yourselves up for another major March Madness letdown.Blowing out those dregs at the end of year are not even close to the teams you'll be facing in the big dance.The Memphis, Arizona, Utah and Portland St all teams the Zags lost to are who you'll be facing come Saturday and beyond and I'm sorry. I've seen nothing in the Zags play as late that says you'd win those games. If, the Zags had true go to guy like Morrison of couple of years ago. This team is a beast. But, your guys are too inconsistent and finding your shooting eye Vs the likes the sub .500 dregs the Zags played at season end prior to St Mary's in the WCC Championship game is nothing that would be making me as cocky as comments I'm seeing. I'm talking more then here. Zags fans are all over Whitlock column at ESPN.No doubt the Zags are head and shoulders better then Akron.But, winning it all is more then bit of stretch and I was responding to Whitlock column. I'm not misguided. The Zags will have to prove to me they're final four material.

[Dave in Green]

Interesting that all the discussions about the upcoming Zips-Zags game on both this and the Zags forum are pretty civil, and this one thread gets heated over discussing the Zags historical performance. I'm a lot more interested in the first meeting between the Zips and the Zags than I am in historical debates.

[bigham78]

Interesting that all the discussions about the upcoming Zips-Zags game on both this and the Zags forum are pretty civil, and this one thread gets heated over discussing the Zags historical performance. I'm a lot more interested in the first meeting between the Zips and the Zags than I am in historical debates.

My historical data is in response to Whitlock Column and after all the title of this thread is what I was responding to. I find Zags fans are great fans and very civil until you point out flaws with their team based solely on your own opinion.I've gotten similar treatment on other threads in other sites.

[johnnyzip84]

And NOW, welcome an extra special guest for a counterpoint!I just wanted to lighten things up a bit Mother told me to take the Zips and the 11.5 points.

[Dave in Green]

Interesting that all the discussions about the upcoming Zips-Zags game on both this and the Zags forum are pretty civil, and this one thread gets heated over discussing the Zags historical performance. I'm a lot more interested in the first meeting between the Zips and the Zags than I am in historical debates.

My historical data is in response to Whitlock Column and after all the title of this thread is what I was responding to. I find Zags fans are great fans and very civil until you point out flaws with their team based solely on your own opinion.I've gotten similar treatment on other threads in other sites.

I hear you loud and clear. But I think all the Zags fans are totally focused on this year, and are reading between the lines and thinking they see a general putdown of the Gonzaga program from a Zips fan based on the fact that the Zips are playing them in the Big Dance. As a rabid sports fan myself, I can confirm that it doesn't take much to set us off, real or imagined.

[GoZags]

Interesting that all the discussions about the upcoming Zips-Zags game on both this and the Zags forum are pretty civil, and this one thread gets heated over discussing the Zags historical performance. I'm a lot more interested in the first meeting between the Zips and the Zags than I am in historical debates.

My historical data is in response to Whitlock Column and after all the title of this thread is what I was responding to. I find Zags fans are great fans and very civil until you point out flaws with their team based solely on your own opinion.I've gotten similar treatment on other threads in other sites.

I hear you loud and clear. But I think all the Zags fans are totally focused on this year, and are reading between the lines and thinking they see a general putdown of the Gonzaga program from a Zips fan based on the fact that the Zips are playing them in the Big Dance. As a rabid sports fan myself, I can confirm that it doesn't take much to set us off, real or imagined.

No harm. No foul. (although I may have been guilty of an offensive foul -- although it appeared to be a case of what do you call? Block? Charge?See you in Portland (hopefully you guys will be able to make it) GoZags

[RootforRoo44]

Apparently the Gonzaga forums (if you can call them that) are so crappy that they are all on ours now? Seriously, i could care less about this pleasantry garbage. Let's "upset" these guys and move on. Maybe it wont happen, odds say it wont, but either way we are going places with our program and our university and some 4500 student school in liberal washington state will always be just that. So let's stop trying to be "The Gonzaga of the East" and just be the Akron of the East because as far as im concerned Gonzaga is the "Can't State of the west" on Thursday night.GO ZIPS!

[Buckzip]

Apparently the Gonzaga forums (if you can call them that) are so crappy that they are all on ours now? Seriously, i could care less about this pleasantry garbage. Let's "upset" these guys and move on. Maybe it wont happen, odds say it wont, but either way we are going places with our program and our university and some 4500 student school in liberal washington state will always be just that. So let's stop trying to be "The Gonzaga of the East" and just be the Akron of the East because as far as im concerned Gonzaga is the "Can't State of the west" on Thursday night.GO ZIPS!

Let's start the war of words.Come on guys let'snot be stupid. It's great to be excited and looking forward to this, but I think we are a year early for thinking we can beat Gonzaga. We can talk about their schedule all we want. But look at ours...Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but this is one step at a time. We do the same thing with football.

[Lynette]

school in liberal washington state will always be just that.

liberal= Seattleconservative= Spokanethere's about a 5 hr drive in between and a little mountain range called the Cascades

[tbozeglav]

Apparently the Gonzaga forums (if you can call them that) are so crappy that they are all on ours now? Seriously, i could care less about this pleasantry garbage. Let's "upset" these guys and move on. Maybe it wont happen, odds say it wont, but either way we are going places with our program and our university and some 4500 student school in liberal washington state will always be just that. So let's stop trying to be "The Gonzaga of the East" and just be the Akron of the East because as far as im concerned Gonzaga is the "Can't State of the west" on Thursday night.GO ZIPS!

Let's start the war of words.Come on guys let'snot be stupid. It's great to be excited and looking forward to this, but I think we are a year early for thinking we can beat Gonzaga. We can talk about their schedule all we want. But look at ours...Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but this is one step at a time. We do the same thing with football.

personally, IDGAF about next year. Next year isnt for another 9 months. All I care about is RIGHT NOW, and that means beating Gonzaga. The more noise we make this year will translate into that much more noise next year. Let's go beat Gonzaga and show the nation that Akron is more than just a 1-time deal. We won the MAC in the year when nobody expected us to do much, so lets make the most of it.

[ksu sucks]

school in liberal washington state will always be just that.

liberal= Seattleconservative= Spokanethere's about a 5 hr drive in between and a little mountain range called the Cascades

Yeah guys, don't forget..this is a Catholic university. Catholics aren't the most liberal folks. We should know that...Catholics galore in and around Northern Ohio(although the frequent closings of parishes around Cleveland tells a different story).My Uncle lives in Seattle. The home of Kurt Cobain, Starbucks, and now Steve Zakuani. As far as the zips are concerned, that's about all Seattle amounts to. As far as Spokane...yeah...the Akron of Washington state?

[ksu sucks]

personally, IDGAF about next year. Next year isnt for another 9 months. All I care about is RIGHT NOW, and that means beating Gonzaga. The more noise we make this year will translate into that much more noise next year. Let's go beat Gonzaga and show the nation that Akron is more than just a 1-time deal. We won the MAC in the year when nobody expected us to do much, so lets make the most of it.

Yup, couldn't agree more. No matter who the opponent, Akron fans and players should go in with an optimistic attitude. That's what I like about this group of guys. During interviews that I've seen they all look and sound confident. I don't doubt their heart for one second, and I'm behind them 100%. You should be, too.