North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Gonzaga Preview-Capsule

Published Oct. 24, 2018 1:49 p.m. ET

Gonzaga

Last season: 32-5, reached the Sweet Sixteen for fourth consecutive season

Nickname: Bulldogs

Coach: Mark Few

Conference: West Coast

Who's gone: Forward Johnathan Williams, guard Silas Melson.

Who's back: NBA hopefuls Rui Hachimura and Killian Tillie, starting guard Josh Perkins (12.3 points) and late season hero Zach Norvell Jr. (12.7 points). Hachimura came off the bench last year, but his raw athleticism excited pro scouts. Jeremy Jones and Corey Kispert also return.

Who's new: Brandon Clarke becomes eligible after transferring from San Jose State, where he averaged 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a sophomore. "He's easily the most athletic guy I have ever played with," Perkins said. Graduate transfer Geno Crandall is coming from North Dakota, where he averaged 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game last year.

The Skinny: The Zags' No. 3 ranking in the AP preseason poll is the highest in their history, and this team on paper has a chance to reach the national title game.

Expectations: Las Vegas odds-makers have the Zags at 15-2 odds to win the NCAA Tournament, trailing only Duke and Kentucky. They are expected to win the West Coast Conference.

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North Dakota Fighting Hawks

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National Basketball Association