Can the Top-Ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs Finally Win for Coach Few?
Gonzaga has spent years knocking on the door of a national championship, and this season feels like another moment where the Bulldogs are positioned to finally break through for Mark Few. After an early loss at the hands of Michigan at the Players Era Tournament, their recent stretch of dominant wins, including convincing performances against Oklahoma, Creighton, Arizona State, Alabama, Maryland, and Kentucky, has reinforced the idea that this roster is one of the most complete and explosive Few has assembled since the group headlined by Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, Oumar Ballo, Anton Watson, and Andrew Nembhard. Statistically, the Bulldogs are operating at an elite level on both ends of the floor, scoring over 90 points per game while holding opponents to under 70. Their offensive efficiency ranks among the best in the country, and their balance across positions has made them a nightmare matchup for nearly every opponent they have faced. The national conversation on X has increasingly shifted toward Gonzaga’s ceiling, with analysts noting how their blend of veteran leadership, interior dominance, and perimeter versatility mirrors the traits of their most successful teams of the past decade.
A major reason for Gonzaga’s rise to the top spot has been the steady presence of veteran wing Tyon Grant-Foster, whose scoring, rebounding, and defensive activity have given the Bulldogs a reliable two-way anchor. His ability to create offense in transition and finish through contact has been essential in tight stretches, and his leadership has helped stabilize a roster that blends transfers with returning contributors. Graham Ike has been the centerpiece of their interior attack, emerging as one of the most dominant paint scorers in the country. His consistent double-double production has given Gonzaga a physical identity, and his footwork and touch around the rim have overwhelmed opposing frontcourts. Forward Braden Huff has also been a revelation, providing scoring versatility, floor spacing, and energy on the glass. His recent minor injury will sideline him for a few weeks, but his impact on Gonzaga’s early-season success cannot be overstated. Even with Huff temporarily out, the Bulldogs have maintained their rhythm thanks to their depth and the emergence of players who understand their roles and execute them with precision.
Among those role players, Jalen Warley has been particularly important. His poise, decision-making, and defensive versatility have allowed Gonzaga to maintain stability in the backcourt, especially in games where tempo shifts or opponents try to disrupt their rhythm. Warley’s ability to guard multiple positions and initiate offense has made him one of the quiet engines behind Gonzaga’s efficiency. As the Bulldogs continue their march through conference play, the question becomes whether this group can sustain its dominance into March. Their schedule so far suggests they are built for the long run, and their statistical profile mirrors that of past Gonzaga teams that reached the Final Four. With a veteran core, a dominant interior presence, and a system that maximizes player strengths, this might be the season where Mark Few finally captures the championship that has eluded him. If their current trajectory continues, Gonzaga will enter the postseason not just as a contender but as a team fully capable of finishing the job.
