In 2017, the Gonzaga Bulldogs made their historic first appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship game under the leadership of head coach Mark Few. This was a defining moment for the Gonzaga program, which had steadily grown into a national powerhouse despite being a smaller school. However, Gonzaga’s bid for the national title fell short, as they lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels in a hard-fought game, 71-65.
Reflecting on this significant loss, Mark Few has always emphasized how proud he is of his team’s performance that season. Few has shared strong feelings about the experience, noting the immense growth the program underwent to reach that point. He highlighted the hard work and dedication of his players, from All-American Nigel Williams-Goss to their role players who bought into the team’s philosophy of defense and teamwork. Few often points to the grit his team displayed during the tournament, including their victories over South Carolina and West Virginia, as signs that Gonzaga had arrived on the national stage.
However, Few has also been candid about the disappointment that comes with falling short of a national title. The 2017 loss, especially considering it was Gonzaga’s first time on such a grand stage, was a heartbreaker. Few has expressed how challenging it was to come so close to winning it all, only to see the game slip away in the final minutes. The game was marred by a defensive struggle, and Gonzaga struggled offensively down the stretch, shooting only 33.9% from the field. Missed opportunities, fouls, and North Carolina’s late push ultimately sealed their fate.
Despite the disappointment, Mark Few has used the loss as motivation. He has often talked about building on the lessons learned from that game to further push Gonzaga toward winning a national title. Few is known for his calm demeanor, but his ambition for the program is clear. He wants Gonzaga to not just be a regular contender but a team that can win it all.
In the years since 2017, Gonzaga has remained a dominant force in college basketball, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. Few’s focus has been on recruiting, developing players, and refining Gonzaga’s style of play to prepare for another shot at the national title.
