Gonzaga Bulldogs: The real deals and a new breed of Bulldogs
By Laura Rammos
Can the 2018-19 Zags be Real Deals
Rui Hachimura’s size (6’8″) and athleticism have NBA teams salivating. He shot 56.8% from the field but only hit five out of 26 three-pointers last season. In order to be the real deal, he must improve his perimeter play and hit open three-point shots.
6’10’ Killian Tillie may be this year’s best Zags player. The Paris, France native averaged 57.3% from the field and 46.8% from the three-point line last season. Tillie can rebound, pass, shoot and hit the three ball. During the WCC tournament, Tillie shot 13 of 14 from beyond the three-point arc.
Redshirt Sophomore, Zach Norvell Jr. has the potential to be another future NBA player. He averaged 12.7 points per game in 2017-18 and had a breakout NCAA tournament to help lead the Zags to their fourth straight Sweet Sixteen. He can not only shoot but has size, at 6’5” and will not shy from taking it to the rim. Time will only tell if this new breed of Zags players will eventually be the next “Real Deal”.
A New Breed of Bulldog?
Whether your favorite Gonzaga Basketball player stays for one year or four, they are a piece of the puzzle to win that championship game. Perhaps we will watch Gonzaga produce another NBA real deal while we sit with our fingers selfishly crossed that our favorites don’t declare and stay just one more year with the Zags.