Weekly Zag Briefing

Friends, after the longest break from college basketball in the history of this blog, we are one week away from a return to action. That means the return of our weekly briefing where we provide you with a one-stop shop for the Internet’s weekly ruminations on Gonzaga basketball-related topics.

Here’s what we have on tap from the end of the offseason:

• ESPN’s cohort of college basketball writers did a drive around on mid-major basketball and were unanimous in naming Jalen Suggs the Newcomer of the Year! Jeff Borzello also tabbed Corey Kispert as his Player of the Year. They were effusive of their praise for Gonzaga, all acknowledging that the Zags could certainly win the National Championship, while citing defense, injuries, and the unknowns of how COVID will impact the season as potential hurdles to cutting down the nets.
• Likewise, on the ladies side, ESPN’s writers believe the Gonzaga women are once again the team to beat in the WCC and will be nationally relevant from the jump.
• Corey Kispert jumped on a quick video chat with Andy Katz to discuss the expectations associated with opening the season as the No. 1 team in college basketball, and how the new faces are gelling with the team.
• CBS Sports’ stable of writers consulted their crystal balls and predict this season’s Final Four. Gonzaga made 3 of the 5 prospective Final Fours, with Baylor, Illinois, and Villanova also serving as popular picks.
• Brenna Greene interviewed 2021 signees Kaden Perry and Ben Gregg and the pair discussed their love of Gonzaga and their excitement to be the next Dynamic Duo in Spokane. They are going to be fan favorites in very short order.
• The Athletic’s CBB writers voted Drew Timme as the most underrated player in the country. Something tells me that by the end of the non-conference slate, a lot more people are going to know about Mr. Timme. Corey Kispert got some love too in the vote.