Gonzaga head coach Mark Few has once again guided his team to the Sweet 16, making it nine straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend. This remarkable streak is the longest active run in the nation, solidifying Gonzaga’s status as one of college basketball’s most consistent programs.

 

Few, who has been at the helm since 1999, has transformed Gonzaga from a mid-major Cinderella story into a perennial powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have become a fixture in March Madness, making deep tournament runs almost an expectation rather than an exception. Their current streak of nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, dating back to 2015, surpasses that of any other program in the country, including blue bloods like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas.

 

The Zags’ ability to sustain success at this level is a testament to Few’s coaching prowess, strong recruiting, and player development. Despite the ever-changing nature of college basketball, with roster turnover due to graduation, the NBA Draft, and now the transfer portal, Gonzaga has remained a dominant force. Few has consistently found ways to reload rather than rebuild, developing both highly-touted recruits and under-the-radar players into key contributors.

 

This season, Gonzaga has once again proven its resilience. Facing a tough non-conference schedule and challenges within the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs battled their way to yet another deep tournament run. Their balanced offense, efficient scoring, and disciplined defense have been trademarks of Few’s teams, and this year is no exception.

 

Few’s run of success is even more impressive considering Gonzaga’s evolution from an underdog to a title contender. The Zags have reached multiple Final Fours and came agonizingly close to winning a national championship in 2017 and 2021. Though they have yet to secure that elusive title, their consistency in reaching the Sweet 16 underscores their place among the elite programs in college basketball.

 

As the Bulldogs prepare for their next challenge, Few and his team remain focused on their ultimate goal: cutting down the nets. Whether this is the year Gonzaga finally breaks through or not, their historic streak of nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances is a testament to one of the most remarkable coaching jobs in modern college basketball.