Amanda Knapp
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team, also known as the Zags, has enjoyed success and recognition in the world of college basketball. With a strong rivalry against Saint Mary's, Gonzaga has consistently been one of the top teams in the West Coast Conference. The team's success has brought increased attention and applications to the university, contributing to the construction of the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Zags have appeared in numerous NCAA tournaments, showcasing their skills and attracting top prospects. Their success, combined with academic excellence, embodies the Gonzaga spirit of hard work and dedication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Gonzaga Bulldogs |
| Team Nickname | The Zags |
| Overall Record | 25-7 |
| Conference Record | 116-7 |
| Non-Conference Record | 105-8 |
| WCC Tournament Record | 2-0 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 27 |
| Sweet 16 Appearances | 9 |
| Combined NCAA Tournament Record | 47-27 |
| Combined NIT Record | 2-3 |
| Rivalries | Saint Mary's, Washington |
| Notable Players | J.P. Batista, Tyon Grant-Foster |
| Coaches | Mark Few, Lisa Fortier |
| Notable Alumni | Ryan Nembhard, Ben Gregg, Yvonne Ejim |
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What You'll Learn
Gonzaga's rivalry with Saint Mary's
Gonzaga University's basketball team, the Bulldogs or 'Zags', has been a consistent success, reaping the benefits of increased exposure and applications for admission. The team has appeared in 27 NCAA tournaments, including 9 straight Sweet 16 appearances from 2015 to 2024. Their biggest rivalry, however, is with the Saint Mary's Gaels.
The Gonzaga–Saint Mary's rivalry is an intra-West Coast Conference (WCC) college basketball rivalry. The Gaels are from Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga, California, while the Zags are from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Analysts and media members have touted the rivalry as one of the best, if not the best, college basketball rivalries on the West Coast. This is due to both teams consistently being among the top three in the WCC over the last two decades.
Gonzaga and Saint Mary's have dominated the WCC, combining to win 26 out of the last 30 conference championship games, including each of the last 16. They have met a total of 116 times since 1955 and currently play each other twice a year as part of WCC conference play, with the potential for a third game in the WCC tournament and a fourth in the postseason. As of 2023, Gonzaga leads the series 81-35.
Gonzaga's most heated in-state rivalry is with Washington. They played annually from 1997 to 2006 and again from 2016 onwards, agreeing to continue the rivalry until at least the 2025-26 season.
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The Bulldogs' record in the McCarthey Athletic Center
The McCarthey Athletic Center (MAC) is a 6,000-seat indoor arena located on the Gonzaga University campus in Spokane, Washington. It is home to the university's Bulldog basketball programs and opened in November 2004. The arena is nicknamed "The New Kennel" in reference to the school's former basketball arena, the Charlotte Y. Martin Centre, which was popularly known as "The Kennel".
The Bulldogs have an impressive record at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Through February 6, 2020, the Bulldogs had a record of 223–15 (.937) at the arena, including a 105–8 (.929) record in non-conference games, a 116–7 (.943) record in conference games, and a 2–0 record in the WCC tournament. The team has sold out every home game at the arena since it opened in 2004, creating a significant home-court advantage.
The Bulldogs' success at the McCarthey Athletic Center can be attributed to their talented players, dedicated coaching staff, and energetic fans. The arena is known for its lively atmosphere, with the Bulldog Band, cheer team, and dance team hyping up the crowd and providing entertainment during games. The team's mascot, Spike, also adds to the excitement and enthusiasm of the Bulldogs' home games.
The McCarthey Athletic Center has been the site of numerous memorable moments in Gonzaga basketball history. In February 2005, the Bulldogs pulled out a close win over San Francisco with a last-second fadeaway jumper. In January 2006, Adam Morrison scored 42 points against Portland, setting a new record for the most points scored in a game at the arena. The Bulldogs also won back-to-back WCC Tournament titles in 2006 and 2007, with Morrison's heroics playing a key role in their victory over Loyola Marymount in 2006.
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The impact of the team's success on the university
The success of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had a profound and wide-ranging impact on Gonzaga University. The team's accomplishments have brought increased exposure and recognition to the university, leading to a range of benefits that have transformed the institution.
One of the most notable impacts has been on enrollment. The team's success has attracted a higher number of applicants and resulted in a significant increase in freshman enrollment. This trend began in 1999 when the team advanced to the Elite Eight, and it continued with their consistent appearances in the NCAA tournaments and their overall winning record. The university introduced a more selective admissions process in 2003, which led to a more academically qualified freshman class. Despite the increased selectivity, freshman enrollment has continued to grow, with the class size reaching 1,200 for the 2016-2017 academic year. This phenomenon, known as the "Flutie effect", highlights how the team's success has contributed to a more competitive and academically robust student body.
In addition to boosting enrollment, the team's success has had a significant financial impact on the university. The increased exposure has led to a surge in donations and fundraising success, allowing the university to embark on a building boom. The McCarthey Athletic Center, opened in 2004, was the first of several major campus buildings constructed during this period. The improved financial position has enabled the university to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, including a new student center and a basketball practice facility that will house a Hall of Fame. The success of the basketball team has also enhanced the university's reputation and brand, leading to increased attention from prospective students, donors, and supporters.
The impact of the team's success extends beyond enrollment and finances. It has fostered a sense of community and pride among the student body and alumni, exemplified by the "Gonzaga spirit." The university's commitment to academic excellence, combined with athletic success, has created a culture of hard work and dedication that resonates throughout the institution. The team's accomplishments have become a source of inspiration and unity for the Gonzaga community, strengthening its identity and sense of belonging.
Moreover, the success of the Gonzaga Bulldogs has had a lasting impact on the university's athletic program as a whole. The team has raised the profile of Gonzaga University in the world of college sports, establishing it as a major basketball powerhouse within its conference. This recognition has brought increased opportunities for the university's athletes and has likely contributed to the overall success of other sports programs at the institution. The success of the basketball team has set a standard of excellence and has likely influenced the development of other athletic programs, fostering a culture of winning and competitiveness across the board.
In conclusion, the success of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had a transformative effect on Gonzaga University. It has boosted enrollment, enhanced the university's financial position and reputation, fostered a sense of community, and raised the profile of the university's athletic program. The team's accomplishments have become a source of pride and inspiration, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the institution.
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Gonzaga's performance in the NCAA tournament
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has established itself as a major basketball powerhouse. They have appeared in 27 NCAA tournaments, including 9 straight Sweet 16 appearances from 2015 to 2024. Gonzaga's combined record is 47–27 (.635).
Gonzaga first appeared in the NCAA tournament in 1995. In 1999, they made a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight. They have appeared in the Elite Eight six times: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, and 1999. The Bulldogs have reached the Sweet 16 fourteen times, including in 2009, 2006, 2001, 2000, and 1999.
Gonzaga has appeared in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2017 and 2021, winning both times and advancing to the national title game. In 2017, they lost 71–65 to North Carolina. In 2021, they lost 86–70 to Baylor.
In 2025, Gonzaga made its 27th appearance in the Division 1 NCAA Tournament. In the first round, they defeated Georgia 89-68.
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The team's top players
Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball has produced a slew of talented players over the years, many of whom have gone on to have impressive careers in the NBA. Here is a list of some of the top players to have donned the Bulldogs jersey:
John Stockton is arguably one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His time at Gonzaga cemented his legacy as a consummate playmaker and tenacious defender. Stockton's court vision and precision passing were unparalleled, and he always seemed able to find his teammates with ease. Despite not being the most athletic or physically imposing player, his intelligence and tenacity made him an exceptional defender, as evidenced by his numerous steals.
Kelly Olynyk is another standout player from Gonzaga. Olynyk's versatility and sharp shooting have been on full display in the NBA, showcasing the skills he honed during his collegiate career.
Domantas Sabonis, the son of legendary Lithuanian basketball player Arvydas Sabonis, continued the family tradition of excellence. As a power forward and center, he excelled in finishing around the basket and displayed a natural talent for rebounding. Sabonis' court vision and passing skills, combined with his physical prowess, made him a versatile and effective player. He has quickly become one of the NBA's top big men.
Jalen Suggs is also worth mentioning. Suggs made an immediate impact with his clutch performances and athleticism, leading Gonzaga to the final game of the NCAA Tournament. He has since transitioned smoothly into a promising NBA career.
Other notable Gonzaga players include Adam Morrison, a scoring machine who could put up points from anywhere on the court; Courtney Vandersloot, the only women’s WCC player to be named player of the year and WCC tournament MVP three times; Frank Burgess, who garnered national attention with his impressive scoring averages; and Przemek Karnowski, a 7-foot-1 center from Poland who was immensely popular during his time on campus.
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Frequently asked questions
Through February 6, 2020, the Zags were 223-15 (.937) in the McCarthey Athletic Center.
Their record in non-conference games is 105-8 (.929).
The Bulldogs have appeared in 27 NCAA tournaments.
Their record in conference games is 116-7 (.943).
On February 11, 2023, Gonzaga won with a score of 88-81.
