Gonzaga Bulldogs: Reflections on runaway win over TAMU
By Laura Rammos
Lesson #2- The emergence of Zach Norvell Jr.
The biggest takeaway of the game, redshirt sophomore guard Zach Norvell Jr. His ability to hit threes and drive the ball was and will continue to be valuable for the Bulldogs when they go toe to toe with Creighton, Tennessee, and North Carolina in December.
He was seven of fourteen from the field, four of nine from the 3-point line, and three of five from within ten feet of the basket. Norvell Jr. can stop and shoot from deep and drive the ball to the rim which will wreak havoc for future opponents. If Norvell Jr. can recognize the open perimeter player and make the assist, the Zags will be able to create an open space and spread the floor to take the open three.
Zach Norvell Jr.’s first two three-pointers came in the last minute and thirty seconds of the first half which allowed the Zags to walk to the locker room with a 10 point lead. Characteristically calm, confident, and poised, Norvell is what Mark Few sought after from the 2016 recruiting class that featured NBA lottery pick, Zach Collins, Rui Hacihumra, and Killian Tillie. These attributes can make Norvell one of the greats and he should not be underestimated.
Our first glimpse of Norvell’s talent came in the 2018 NCAA tournament where he helped lead the Zags to another Sweet Sixteen winning both UNC Greensboro and Ohio State. Against Greensboro, Norvell hit the game-tying three with 20.4 seconds left in the game. He also had a dominant performance against the Buckeyes, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Could he be the next Mr. Bigshot the Zags need to reach the Final Four?