The Slipper Still Fits: FanPosts

C'mon Baby, Daddy Needs a New Big Man

2013-05-21T03:55:24Z

Well according to many sources 2013 Center Dominic Woodson has decommitted from Baylor. The exciting part is that he is considering 5 schools to transfer to and Gonzaga is one of them. The other 4 are Cincinnati, Memphis, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.

Woodson is an extremely good player and a consensus 4 star recruit. After all the transfer disappointment with Moser and Davis, him committing to Gonzaga would be better than either of those other players in my opinion. Looking at some of his interviews from a while ago he said that he wants to play somewhere where the ball goes into the hands of the bigs a lot and where he can get playing time as a freshman. Both of those things would happen if he were to transfer to Gonzaga. He will announce his visit list soon and if he visits Gonzaga, let's hope that Few gives him every ounce of attention he wants, and that Kelly Olynyk's name is brought up many times.

Looking at the other schools for a moment, it doesn't look too bleak. We are certainly better than URI and SCAR, and even trying not to be biased, a little better than the other two teams. Memphis is worrisome since Josh Pastner is a great recruiter but looking at this all from a basketball perspective, Gonzaga definitely looks like a good choice.

If we can get him on campus before he commits somewhere else this could be the answer to all of the problems that posters on this site have been more than happy to point out for the past few weeks.

Here's a highlight video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6o4bVBv2jg

LET'S HOPE THAT THE THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM!

If we can get him on campus before he commits somewhere else this could be the answer to all of the problems that posters on this site have been more than happy to point out for the past few weeks.

Here's a highlight video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6o4bVBv2jg

LET'S HOPE THAT THE THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM!

I've Got a Touch of the "Panic Button Blues"

2013-05-17T01:20:08Z

There are a few posters who really seem to believe the end is near. The bottom is about to fall out. We have two serviceable bigs, GBJ is a disappointment(?), our backcourt are lilliputians, BYU is ready to take over (did they end up with Jab. Parker?)...

First, GBJ being a let down is either troll-talk, or mentally challenged delusion. Nuff said.

CALM DOWN. I confess, Moser was plan A, Davis was plan B, and we are well down the contingency list. Point being, Few has a plan. He has been here before. Judging from his past body of work, I'm guessing he'll manage to cobble some depth together for that front line. Coleman will add length to backcourt. More experience for Draino and Barnham will help too.

Back to DEPTH FOR THE FRONT LINE. Most coaches would KILL for that to be their penultimate deficiency to address. Look at Wichita St. last year. Their team was mostly freaking JUCO's, hardscrabble dudes working their tails off. I like Few's record here (I won't point out his misses, because I know a couple posters who will be happy to do that). I'd take another JP. How about Hernandez, or Reason, for some toughness and rebounding? We may not get a 7ft. skyscraper, but a rugged 6'6" 230lb enforcer rebounder? They're out there. Why are we writing off Edwards and Meikle as depth for this year. Who knows? Could Meikle contribute, right out of the gate, like Morrison or Mallon? Maybe. Edwards could possibly give effective spot duty, like KO did as a Frosh. He is the 28th rated center in this years national class. Not beyond the realm of possibility.

Future so bright, I need my SHADES.

First, GBJ being a let down is either troll-talk, or mentally challenged delusion. Nuff said.

Future so bright, I need my SHADES.

Gonzaga Comparisons

2013-05-12T20:41:07Z

When I read these forums I don't understand why everyone thinks the only 2 choices for Mid-Majors is Gonzaga (regular season success with little postseason success) and George Mason (1 amazing postseason). When I think of where I want Gonzaga to be two programs come to mind.

1st- Memphis. While their success has dwindled since the loss of Calipari (and they have become more like Gonzaga with dominating conference seasons and little tourney success) they are actually bringing in Elite level talent. Perhaps Pastner isn't the correct coach, but they actually capitalized from their Evans/Rose runs and have parlayed it into big time recruits, something Gonzaga hasn't.

2nd- Xavier. Since 2008 they have been to 3 Sweet 16s and 1 Elite 8 all without top line recruiting classes. They have done it much the same way Gonzaga has with 4 year starters and solid role players. They have consistently made the tournament and had much regular season success. Granted it will be interesting to see where they go without Sean Miller, but this team has been the model Mid-Major IMO.

There is also the Butler comparison, though I personally think Brad Stevens is a T-5 coach in the country which Mark Few is not (love him or not, I don't think anyone disagrees with this).

I only write this because there seems to be a split on this forum and when someone complains about Gonzaga's success, people always respond with "well would you rather be George Mason"? I think we can reasonably expect more success out of GU with the talent we have without having unreasonable expectations. There are examples of Mid-Majors recently who have had post-season success and gotten elite level recruits without considering one year wonders. Why not compare ourselves to the Butlers and Xaviers of the world rather than the FGCUs and George Masons. I invite discussion and disagreement, however I do not think it is unreasonable to expect this team to make 1 decent tournament run in 12 years, even if we have been underdogs. Perhaps we are overdue for a lucky draw (though the selection committee hates mid-majors and especially Gonzaga, a discussion for another day) and a cinderella run with less talent, I merely posit that it can be done consistently.

There is also the Butler comparison, though I personally think Brad Stevens is a T-5 coach in the country which Mark Few is not (love him or not, I don't think anyone disagrees with this).

Josh Davis

2013-05-10T23:42:18Z

Apparently Josh Davis is not down to SDSU and GU. According to a new source, he is apparently taking additional visits, considering his last year at Tulane and pro-league (presumably European).

See story here(http://www.nola.com/tulane/index.ssf/2013/05/tulane_forward_josh_davis_stil.html

Hope the coaches are letting Josh know he is welcomed and, more importantly WANTED at GU. It does not replace the need for better recruiting, but it is a stop-gap. Hope the staff is working on some big "catches" to help us rebound from the loss of Harris and Olynyk. Steelhead won't help Mark.

Apparently Josh Davis is not down to SDSU and GU. According to a new source, he is apparently taking additional visits, considering his last year at Tulane and pro-league (presumably European). See story here(http://www.nola.com/tulane/index.ssf/2013/05/tulane_forward_josh_davis_stil.html Hope the coaches are letting Josh know he is welcomed and, more importantly WANTED at GU. It does not replace the need for better recruiting, but it is a stop-gap. Hope the staff is working on some big "catches" to help us rebound from the loss of Harris and Olynyk. Steelhead won't help Mark.

Moser to Oregon

2013-05-07T22:43:38Z

first Elgin Cook now Mike Moser, this is a little bit disappointing considering how long we've waited to hear the bad news. but at least there are some other good prospects out there such as josh davis, I really thought Moser was going to help lead us deep into the tournament. Maybe Josh Davis will be just as good, that is if San Diego State doesn't beat us to him. Anyways we desperately need help in the frontcourt next year.

I'm the ultimate GU basketball insider, sports expert, superior athlete

2013-05-07T02:52:22Z

The site has been besieged by those who claim their opinions should be valued above those of other posters because of their unique perspectives or insider information. The problem is, they are afraid to name names. I’m not. Here are ten reasons why I’m the ultimate Gonzaga/Basketball/Athletics expert:

1. Respected on campus: Not counting basketball games, I've been to the Gonzaga campus THREE TIMES. Twice to see Rick Steves talk at the Cataldo Hall Globe Room and once to see an exhibit at the Jundt Art Museum. I am held in such high regard on campus that on each occasion, the student at the door greeted me with a "hello" and "welcome".

2. Media Access: I once stood next to Greg Heister at the Arena urinals during halftime of a Shock game. I looked at him and said "nice hair” and he told me to “go **** myself”.

3. Gonzaga players take my advice: While working at a Einstein’s Car Wash, Gary Bell came to get his car washed. I asked him if he wanted “hot wax for $2.00 more” and he said sure.

4. I know what it takes to win a championship; I played on the intramural, co-ed, volleyball champions at Fairchild AFB. I demonstrated exceptional leadership and motivation by yelling “com’ on” three times during the championship game and patting each player on the rear. I found ass-slapping the key to motivation and leadership, just be careful during co-ed events (face slapping, harassment charges, lawsuits).

5. All-time great coaches give me advice: A few years ago, I attended an ESPN Game of the Week at the Arena, Gonzaga vs. Memphis. I saw Bobby Knight in front of the Spokane Arena and yelled "Knight you suck", Knight looked right at me and yelled back, "Go **** yourself".

6. Access to future recruits: Two years ago, I bought $40 restricted view seats when the Zags played Hawaii at the arena. First row, right under the basket. Pangos got fouled hard going to the rim and some of his sweat got on my shoe. Inconsequential you say, do YOU have a sample of DNA on your Nikes to clone Kevin Pangos?

7. The Greatest: A few years ago I went to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speak at the Fox Theater during hoopfest. After the speech, Kareem was autographing his book and I stood in line to get mine signed. When I got to Kareem, I said "Elvin Hayes sure schooled you dropping 39 at the Astrodome in "68. Kareem told me," Go **** yourself".

8. Incredible insight to future events: In 1997 I went to the arena to see WSU play Arizona, the year after the Wildcats won the NCAA championship. In the hall of the arena, I saw Ryan Leaf, fresh off his Rose Bowl season and #2 NFL draft selection accompanied a beautiful, tall, blond co-ed. Leaf was enjoying the attention and posing for pictures with fans. Single fans were handing the camera to the beautiful blond who compliantly took the picture of said fan with Leaf. When my turn came, I handed Leaf the camera and stood next to the blonde.

9. Superior athlete: I actually played in a State Championship basketball game in high school. I scored two points, got two rebounds, and fouled out. We ended up winning the game thanks to the great outside shooting of one of our guards; Jimmy Chitwood. No..........wait.......that was Hoosiers.

10. Access to the University President: Last month, I went to a leadership seminar and the President of Gonzaga was one of the guest speakers. After the seminar, the Father was in an adjacent room talking to the attendees. I asked him "Why doesn't the University fire Mark Few? The Father looked at me and said; "a coach with an .800 winning percentage, 15 straight NCAA tourney appearances, 13 of 14 WCC championships, coming off a 30 win season with a team ranked #1 Nationally..........................."Go **** yourself".

2. Media Access: I once stood next to Greg Heister at the Arena urinals during halftime of a Shock game. I looked at him and said "nice hair” and he told me to “go **** myself”.

3. Gonzaga players take my advice: While working at a Einstein’s Car Wash, Gary Bell came to get his car washed. I asked him if he wanted “hot wax for $2.00 more” and he said sure.

Zach- how did the Moser visit go?

2013-04-29T19:02:21Z

Any news?

A a a as a a a a a a a a a a a a a as a a a a a a a as a. A a a a a as a a gotta get to 75 words as a a a a a a a a a a a. A a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a. A

Josh Davis update

2013-04-26T05:37:03Z

Josh Davis narrowed his choices to Gonzaga and San Diego State. Take it for what its worth and possibly with a grain of salt. But apparently we aren't out of the mix for Davis yet. I am sure he is waiting to see how Moser's coming visit goes before making his final decision. It is interesting to see we are still in the mix for a player that many had thought was off the table.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/24/sdsu-basketball-tulane-transfer-josh-davis/

The Official Gonzaga Guide to the 2013 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

2013-04-25T14:56:51Z

This Thanksgiving, Gonzaga will be traveling to the island of Maui for the 2013 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational where they will join Arkansas, Baylor, California, Dayton, Minnesota, Syracuse and host Chaminade in the 30th edition of the premier early-season men's college basketball tournament. The 2013 Championship Round will take place November 25-27 as the Zags will look to repeat as the Tournament champions and start the 2013-14 basketball season off with a bang.

Please let us know if you will be joining the Zags in Maui or if you have any questions about the Tournament in the comments section. Aloha and mahalo.

What´s the story behind the Tournament? How did it all start?

On December 23, 1982…little known NAIA Chaminade upset top-ranked Virginia, led by three-time MVP Ralph Sampson, 77-72. Called "the greatest upset in college basketball history," the win put host Chaminade University on the map nationwide and led to the creation of the Maui Classic which is now known as the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, the longest running early-season college hoops tournament. Read the full story written by Alexander Wolff in Sports Illustrated about the "Greatest Upset Never Seen."

What will my experience be like in Maui?

The Lahaina Civic Center provides college basketball’s best neutral court atmosphere. The intimately seated LCC, with only 2,400 seats, gives each team’s fan base an opportunity to provide a home court advantage at a neutral site game. There are few better basketball experiences when the LCC is full with the crowd supporting their teams. Don’t believe us? Take it from the coaches:

"Obviously, this is the pinnacle and the crème de la crème of all preseason tournaments. This is the kingpin and any other analogy you’d like to use. And that’s why it’s so special." – Mark Few, Gonzaga University, November 2009

"And there's something -- this atmosphere may be as good a neutral court atmosphere that you could play in. It's better than NCAA tournament atmosphere because you can feel the crowd. They're actually a part of it." - Bill Self, University of Kansas, November 2011

What are some of the best activities to do on island?

Go to the beach – Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina was named America’s top beach in the 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards
Attend a luau at Old Lahaina Luau
Snorkeling or diving adventure
Drive the road to Hana
Watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park
Attend the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

I’m sold, how do I buy a Gonzaga Booster Ticket & Travel Package?

Gonzaga Travel packages are available through Anthony Travel. Travel packages are the only way to guarantee and purchase Gonzaga game tickets. Packages include:

Five night accommodations at the team hotel, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
GA ticket to all three Gonzaga games at the Lahaina Civic Center
Dinner and admission to the 2013 Tournament Tip-Off Banquet, An Evening with the Coaches
Round trip airport and game day transportation

For more information please visit mauiinvitational.com/travel.

Please let us know if you will be joining the Zags in Maui or if you have any questions about the Tournament in the comments section. Aloha and mahalo.

What´s the story behind the Tournament? How did it all start?

What will my experience be like in Maui?

What are some of the best activities to do on island?

Go to the beach – Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina was named America’s top beach in the 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards
Attend a luau at Old Lahaina Luau
Snorkeling or diving adventure
Drive the road to Hana
Watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park
Attend the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

I’m sold, how do I buy a Gonzaga Booster Ticket & Travel Package?

Gonzaga Travel packages are available through Anthony Travel. Travel packages are the only way to guarantee and purchase Gonzaga game tickets. Packages include:

Five night accommodations at the team hotel, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
GA ticket to all three Gonzaga games at the Lahaina Civic Center
Dinner and admission to the 2013 Tournament Tip-Off Banquet, An Evening with the Coaches
Round trip airport and game day transportation

For more information please visit mauiinvitational.com/travel.

Mark Few vs Tommy Lloyd

2013-04-24T02:29:53Z

It seems that most of the discussion on this board seems to be around if Mark Few is the right man to lead GU into the future. Now I think that the one thing we can all agree on is that the only realistic option is Few stepping down and Lloyd steps in. I personally wouldn't be to upset if that were to happen but I'm overly optimistic and would look forward to seeing the differences. What do you think would be different? Would Tommy Lloyd take us farther then Mark Few? Do you think there are even any other realistic options outside of Few or Lloyd? How would those against few feel about his understudy getting the job?

At this point I'm a believer that few should stay at least until an upgrade is made in the conference and then we can consider making a change. Until then it just doesn't make sense to me to get rid of a coach that wins 80% of his games (bad conference or not).

Just one humble fans perspective

2013-04-21T23:06:43Z

Hey everyone, im a first time poster and just wanted to say that I love the site. I followed all least season and loved all the insight from the writers and the regular posters. I moved to spokane when I was a year old and have lived here ever sense (im 23) so im a diehard GU fan. I have a few thoughts I want to share...

1.) Although it seems like there are no trolls on this site, this has to be the most negative group of fans I have ever seen. If somebody who knew nothing of GU basketball read some of the comments they would think they just barely reach 18 wins and squeak into the tourney. This is all far from the case, GU isn't Duke or UK or Kansas and they won't be unless they make a upgrade in the conference they play in. 10 years of being a lock to make the tourney and win 25 games is STILL the high water mark for what a mid major program can do, not making a magical run every 50 years. Wanna go be a fan of George Mason? Didn't think so.

2.) Fire mark few? Really?! Cause elite college coaches grow on trees? Sure if we could swap Mark Few for Brad Stevens straight up then we can talk. The fact is that at worst mark few is a top 20 coach in college basketball and the odds of getting something better then that are slim to none. The NCAA tournament is tough hell, and the best team rarely wins. Having as good a chance year in and year out is enough for me. There's no doubt in my mind that GU will make a final four under Mark Few, it's just a matter of when.

3.) I don't know why, but I just have a guy feeling that Kelly Olynic is going to come back. I think the Wichita St. loss left a bad taste in his mouth. Plus the fact that just about everyone says he's gunna make the jump makes me think he's gunna stay. If Marcus Smart can turn down a top 5 pick, Kelly can turn down a top 20 pick.

4.) Gerard Coleman might as we'll be the second coming of Jesus. Another reason why I think Kelly is coming back, Gerard will fill the one hole we had in the team. Add in Angel Nunez as like a mid season free agent and we should be a more complete team.

Anyway, love the site and keep up the good work

Who will we get?

2013-04-20T22:33:11Z

It kind of peeves me that polls also must contain 75 words to be published so I have to create a little fluff so I can post a poll. I don't know about you guys, but there is something that's a little bit exciting about having your star leaving early to the NBA. It is good for the perception of the program that we can develop a player in such a short amount of time, and also it leaves a void which allow someone else to step up and also creates plenty of drama as to what kind of impact transfer we can land to help fill the void. So the question I pose is, which of these options is most likely?

Poll

Who do you think we will add?

Davis

11 votes

Moser

42 votes

Both

15 votes

Neither

38 votes

106 votes | Poll has closed

Everybody here seems to be a recruiting expert ...

2013-04-19T20:52:15Z

do you all watch them play high school games on youtube or are you just reading so-called experts opinions on them? I'm not trying to come off all snarky, I'm serious, I'm interested in how you base your opinions on what players fit best in the Zag Nation. Including Zach, how do we know who we should be routing GU lands (besides the 5-star blue chips which GU rarely if ever lands). Also so many fans seem to think Coleman is the second coming. Is there any reason for me to be especially excited for him BESIDES his play at Providence? Have y'all watched him at practices or something? Thanks.

Kelly

2013-04-15T22:38:48Z

I get to work in the morning, turn on my computer & google, "Kelly Olynyk NBA." Every analyst says he should go. Its a weaker draft class, his stock is as high as many people think it will ever be. Fans already think he's gone not holding on to any hope.

It's getting close to lunch, search again as my phone buzzes with texts from ESPN about the latest underclassmen to declare. No real news on Kelly. I have believed since day 1 there is a about a 60% chance Kelly will come back. & every day that goes by I feel a little bit better.

I dont think there will be a big Matt Barkley "unfinished business" proclamation, but when I look at the draft I see Kelly dropping farther & farther down the 1st round. I think, maybe he's ready to say he will stick around Spokane for another year.

There are a lot of guys leaving early that wouldn't in most years. There are a lot of big white guys in this draft that could go before before him - Plumlee, Whithey, Len, etc. Yes, they have different skill sets or arent as talented offensively. We know he can improve a lot with 1 more year, we saw that first hand.

Maybe I am crazy & thinking with my heart, but every day a little more hope grows that we will have a returning all-American center along with 2 athletic Big-East transfers to add to a team that held the #1 spot for the end part of the season.

A guy can dream right.

Time to google search 1 last time before i head home

A guy can dream right.

Time to google search 1 last time before i head home

Playing Devil’s Advocate- 3 Reasons why Olynyk should consider making the Jump

2013-04-04T00:54:03Z

Let me be perfectly clear, I would love for Kelly Olynyk to stay in Spokane for his senior season. One more year of K.O.’s freak scoring ability from both the mid range and post would cement Gonzaga as a top- 10 team going in to next year. Just imagine the damage that can be inflicted inside with a front court that includes the likes of a criminally underrated Dower, a more experienced Karnowski, and a pair of unknown freshman bigs, in addition to the returning all- American center. Chaminade might as well just hand us the Maui Invitational trophy now if this is the case.

Unfortunately it is not an ideal world and this hypothetical lineup may end up being just that. While I do not wish it to be so, Olynyk can make a pretty compelling case for why this is the ideal time to make the jump to the big show. I have come up with 3 reasons why we as fans should not be surprised when his name appears on the draft board come June.

1. 2013 Draft Class- To put it quite simply, this year’s NBA draft has the potential to be a complete bust. The list of top big men expected to be drafted is riddled with question marks and a blatant absence of depth. Starting at the top with an injured Nerlens Noel and ending with a low ceiling prospect in Cody Zeller. I don’t see a single sure- thing in the whole bunch. The board looks to be wide open in terms of prospects that teams "need" to take. It would seem to be a perfect scenario for a GM to take a shot on a highly skilled and obviously coachable center. Having only the one stellar breakout season to evaluate since his reemergence makes Olynyk even more of a compelling pick for a team because his potential is through the roof.

2. The Elias Harris Example- If Elias Harris has taught young Gonzaga players aspiring for the pros one thing it is to strike while the iron is hot. We as Gonzaga supporters applauded Harris’ decision to come back after his freshman year in order to help the Bulldogs continue to improve. But after all was said and done, one can’t help but play the "what if" game. What if he entered the NBA after his breakout freshman year? Instead of being a 19 year old, extremely athletic big with an unknown bevy of untapped talent, he now limps into the draft as an undersized power forward who failed to enhance his skill set in any tangible way after 3 extra years. The difference is millions of dollars and perhaps a fair chance at cracking any NBA roster. Olynyk of course in a different situation, may still have his teammate’s misfortune in the back of his mind. If he for whatever reason has a setback next season, it may drastically limit his opportunities to achieve his dream.

3. Reconciling last season with the expectations of 2013- 2014- The Zags are primed for another WCC title and March push as they return all but 3 contributors from last year. With the addition of Gerard Coleman there will be little drop- off from last year. While there is cause for much optimism, it would be hard to envision a season as perfect as the last (aside from the Wichita State loss). Can Gonzaga reasonably expect to have another 30 wins, go undefeated in conference play, or secure a number one seed in the tournament? Can a Kelly Olynyk, now on everyone’s radar with a full year of tape to analyze, put up the huge numbers he did last season? The answer to these questions would seem highly unlikely.

It could be the case that KO ends up staying for one more incredible season and proves this entire post blasphemy. However, I wanted to play devil’s advocate for a moment and consider the merits of his choice from an unbiased perspective. Whichever decision he makes, I wish Kelly success and would like to thank him for helping to make last season unforgettable. I guess all we can do right now is wait and see.