No. 16 San Diego State | No. 18 Syracuse | Full List
No. 17: GONZAGA BULLDOGS
Last season: 28-8, 15-3 WCC
The question won't be whether Mark Few's team can put up points, but will it defend. Few will likely start a trio of transfers: Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington) at the point, Jordan Mathews (Cal) on the wing and Johnathan Williams III (Missouri) on the front line. Big man Przemek Karnowski is back, and if he's healthy, the Zags are the favorite to win the WCC. -- Jeff Goodman
Best case: West Coast Conference champs, Final Four. Gonzaga had the frontcourt to reach a Final Four last season, with Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis and Przemek Karnowski. With Karnowski injured and the Zags guards starting slowly, it looked like Gonzaga would be a good team, but not a factor in the NCAA tournament. But Josh Perkins and Silas Melson really came on late and led the Zags to the Sweet 16 before getting bounced by Syracuse. This season, guard play will not be an issue. Nigel Williams-Goss and Jordan Mathews, transfers from Washington and Cal respectively, will add quality depth and scoring. Karnowski returns as a unique threat in the paint. He cannot be moved off his spot, he is skilled and he can pass the ball.
Worst case: Second round. Gonzaga is just like any other Power 5, tradition-rich program. It expects to win, and newcomers are conditioned to fit in and win. Mark Few is the best coach in America not yet to have reached a Final Four. This could be the year, but every year could be the year for Few. That is how consistent he has been.