2006 Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball Preview

2006 Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball Predictions

With Adam Morrison (28.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG) and J.P. Batista (19.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG) both gone, the Zags have a lot for which to compensate. This is a young team that will certainly have to go through some tough knocks. However, they’re still the best in the WCC.

In the backcourt the main question is can Derek Raivio (11.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.7 APG) regain his shooting touch after seeing a major drop-off last season due to a back injury. If he can—great! If not, the Bulldogs will be in trouble. Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes (4.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.7 APG), an able defender, will be asked to generate more offense as will sophomore guard Jeremy Pargo (2.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.0 APG).

Senior Sean Mallon (7.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 APG) must pick-up his game a few notches this season. If he can breakout, so too will Gonzaga. Sophomore Josh Heytvelt (3.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.1 APG) will need to advance quickly, while sophomore Larry Gurganious (1.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.5 APG) starts at small forward. Mid-season transfers Micah Downs and David Burgess will become eligible to play in December and should help out.

Coach Mark Few (188- 41 in 7 years) has a lot of work to do. The Zags will dominate their conference but they won’t go very far into the NCAA tourney. Few will try to help this inexperienced group find its feet and dynamic.

The Bulldogs have the longest home winning streak—40 games—in the nation. With Morrison and Batista gone that may be difficult to maintain. Still, if certain upper classmen can come through and sophomores mature quickly, the Zags will have a sound team.

If you want more info on the 2006 Gonzaga Bulldogs College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Houston Cougars and Hofstra Pride.