ESPN Breaks Down The Zags

Get ready for plenty of coverage from plenty of places now that we are inching closer and closer to the tip off of the regular season. The main question will be the same one we have heard the past few years: "Can Gonzaga make it over the hump in March and get back to the Elite Eight or beyond?" It is going to be asked a lot so prepare yourself.

Today, ESPN has provided some great coverage across several articles on the Bulldogs' outlook for this coming season. Here are the links you need to know:

Eamonn Brennan - Three Big Things: Gonzaga

Because from this distant vantage point, still six weeks removed from the start of the 2012-13 season, Mark Few's team appears to be one of the most balanced squads on the West Coast -- if not the country.

The Bulldogs finished ranked in the top 35 in both offensive and defensive efficiency in 2011-12, per Ken Pomeroy's adjusted efficiency metrics. They return four starters (Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell, Jr., Mike Hart and Elias Harris) and, in the place of center Robert Sacre, will add one of the most promising emerging big men in the country in versatile forwardSam Dower. With the exception of Hart, all of those players posted offensive ratings higher than 110.0 in 2011-12. The Zags shot the ball well from both inside and outside the arc, and got to the free-throw line at the seventh-highest rate in the country.

Andy Katz: Five Questions With Kevin Pangos

How do you spell Przemek Karnowski and what kind of impact will he have?

KP: P-r-z-e-m-e-k. The way you say it is ‘Shemeck.' K-a-r-n-o-w-s-k-i. I think he'll be a great impact. We lost Sacre, but he'll be a big-time presence and physical and [will provide] vocal leadership. He'll fit that spot nicely. He's got a lot to learn. He's already doing well. It will be good to bring such a big body down low with a soft touch.

Various Authors: Zags Will Make Noise In March (Insider)

Pangos and Bell combined to log 1,998 minutes last season as freshmen, and you can make a case that of the two players, it was actually Bell who had the more amazing year. "He guarded the other team's best player and never took a possession off," Few said of Bell. "That's usually what you do with one of your seniors."

Bell was relegated to a supporting role on offense, but when you make 48 percent of your 3s and 51 percent of your 2s as a freshman, you're definitely in line for more touches as a sophomore.

The insider piece above is a fantastic read and insider as a whole is worth it at least during college basketball season. Kudos to the folks at that little company for providing some great work on the Zags.