Killian Tillie Will Not Play Against Alabama State

We will have to wait a few more days to see the return of Killian Tillie. The senior Gonzaga Bulldogs forward is sitting out the opening game as he recuperates from knee surgery.

This should not come as too much of a surprise for anyone. Tillie did not play in the exhibition game, and he was considered questionable for tonight’s season opener. Considering that Tillie is the jewel of this squad, and often struggles with staying healthy, it makes sense that the coaching staff isn’t forcing him to play quite yet. The meat of Gonzaga’s schedule comes in late November, and although you’d like to see Tillie get some reps before then, it isn’t a paramount concern if we wait a bit more.

Tillie underwent minor surgery to “clean up” his knee in early October. The procedure wasn’t considered invasive, but because of his injury history, you could hear the collective gasp from the fanbase when the news was announced.

The Zags are ranked No. 8 in the preseason, and although the rest of the squad is rather loaded, Tillie is the player who can push them over the hump. He is one of the best shooters in college basketball, and he can stretch the floor unlike any other player on the squad. Here is to hoping this is the only time we post about Tillie not playing in a game this season.