Mark Few: The Architect Behind Gonzaga’s Rise to a College Basketball Powerhouse
Few names in college basketball command as much respect and admiration as Mark Few, the longtime head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs. What began as a small program in Spokane, Washington, has grown into a national powerhouse under Few’s guidance — a testament to his relentless dedication, basketball intellect, and vision for sustained excellence.
For more than two decades, Few has built Gonzaga from a Cinderella story into a consistent contender for the national championship, redefining what it means to compete outside of a Power Five conference. His remarkable consistency, adaptability, and player-first philosophy have not only transformed the program but also earned him a place among the greatest coaches in the history of the game.
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Early Years and Coaching Path
Mark Few’s journey to becoming one of college basketball’s elite coaches wasn’t built overnight. Born in Creswell, Oregon, in 1962, Few’s passion for basketball began early. After playing as a point guard in high school, he went on to attend the University of Oregon, where he immersed himself in the tactical side of the game rather than pursuing a professional playing career.
In 1989, Few joined Gonzaga University as a graduate assistant. At the time, the Bulldogs were far from being a household name — they were a small program in the West Coast Conference struggling for national recognition. Few’s work ethic and eye for talent quickly stood out, and by 1999 he was promoted to head coach after serving as an assistant under Dan Fitzgerald and Dan Monson.
That transition year would mark the beginning of one of the most remarkable coaching tenures in modern sports.
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The Early Breakthrough: From Cinderella to Contender
Few’s first season as head coach in 1999–2000 instantly set the tone for Gonzaga’s future. In his debut season, the Bulldogs made a deep Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament, captivating fans across the nation. Many considered them a Cinderella story, but for Few, it was the foundation for something much greater.
Unlike most mid-major programs that shine briefly before fading, Gonzaga never looked back. Few turned early success into long-term dominance, blending disciplined recruiting with a modern offensive system that made the Bulldogs both efficient and entertaining.
By 2004, Gonzaga had become a fixture in the NCAA Tournament, known for their balance of grit, creativity, and unselfish play — all trademarks of Few’s philosophy.
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Accomplishments and Milestones
Mark Few’s resume is nothing short of extraordinary. Over his career, he has guided Gonzaga to:
23 NCAA Tournament appearances
Four Final Fours
Two National Championship games (2017, 2021)
Nine West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season titles
Seven WCC Tournament championships
Over 700 career victories, all at Gonzaga
Few’s Bulldogs have spent countless weeks ranked among the nation’s top five teams, including multiple seasons finishing as the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. What sets him apart is his ability to maintain this success despite not having the same financial or recruiting advantages as blue-blood programs like Duke, North Carolina, or Kentucky.
In 2025, Few was honored with the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award, an acknowledgment of his sustained excellence, leadership, and influence both on and off the court.
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Coaching Style and Philosophy
Mark Few’s coaching style blends simplicity, intelligence, and adaptability. He is known for his up-tempo offense, emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and efficient shot selection. His teams consistently rank among the best in the nation in field goal percentage and offensive efficiency.
Few’s approach values unselfishness — his players are taught to make the extra pass, read the defense, and find the highest-percentage shot. This philosophy creates a flowing offensive rhythm that allows Gonzaga to dictate tempo and wear opponents down.
Defensively, his squads are disciplined and positionally sound, often emphasizing team defense rather than individual heroics.
What truly defines Few, however, is his player development system. Year after year, Gonzaga transforms underrated recruits and international prospects into NBA-ready athletes. Few and his staff have a unique eye for identifying potential — not just talent — and nurturing it through a combination of discipline and freedom.
> “We want guys who fit our culture,” Few once said. “Talent is great, but work ethic, character, and willingness to buy in — that’s what builds a winning program.”
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Building Stars and NBA Success Stories
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mark Few’s legacy is his ability to develop players who thrive at both the college and professional levels.
Under Few’s guidance, Gonzaga has produced numerous NBA talents, including:
Adam Morrison – a prolific scorer and one of the first stars to put Gonzaga on the national map.
Kelly Olynyk – a versatile big man who refined his game under Few’s developmental system.
Domantas Sabonis – now a multi-time NBA All-Star, known for his skill and toughness.
Rui Hachimura – the first Japanese-born player drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Jalen Suggs – whose iconic buzzer-beater in the 2021 Final Four remains one of college basketball’s greatest moments.
Chet Holmgren and Julian Strawther – modern stars who carried Gonzaga into new eras of success.
Few’s track record proves that Gonzaga can produce elite players without the brand recognition of traditional basketball giants.
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The Culture of Consistency
Gonzaga’s culture is what truly sets it apart — and that culture is a direct reflection of Few’s leadership.
He emphasizes humility, teamwork, and accountability. Practices are intense but focused, fostering an environment where players are encouraged to challenge themselves and one another. Few’s calm demeanor on the sideline mirrors his belief in composure under pressure — his teams rarely panic, regardless of the situation.
The “Gonzaga Way,” as players often call it, extends beyond basketball. Few prioritizes academic excellence and community involvement. Players graduate, stay connected with the program, and often return to mentor younger athletes.
This environment of stability and loyalty is rare in modern college sports — and it’s why top recruits continue to choose Gonzaga.
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Navigating Challenges and Adapting to the Modern Game
Like all great leaders, Mark Few has evolved with the times. The introduction of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has reshaped college basketball recruiting and retention. Yet, Few has managed to adapt without compromising the core values of his program.
He has embraced the global nature of the game, consistently recruiting internationally while maintaining a strong domestic presence. Players from Canada, Lithuania, Japan, and France have all found success at Gonzaga.
Few’s adaptability also extends to tactics — he’s incorporated more modern defensive schemes and positionless offensive sets, allowing Gonzaga to remain one of the most dynamic teams in the country year after year.
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Recognition and Influence Beyond Gonzaga
Few’s success has not gone unnoticed. He has earned numerous national and conference honors, including:
AP National Coach of the Year (2017)
Naismith Coach of the Year finalist multiple times
WCC Coach of the Year more than a dozen times
Recipient of the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award (2025)
Beyond awards, his influence is felt through his coaching tree. Several of his former assistants have gone on to become head coaches across the country, spreading Gonzaga’s philosophy and methods to other programs.
Few is also known for his charitable work, particularly with the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support services.
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Legacy: The Standard of Excellence
Mark Few’s legacy extends far beyond wins and losses. He has transformed Gonzaga from a small regional team into a global basketball brand — one synonymous with consistency, development, and class.
Few is currently the winningest active coach by winning percentage in NCAA Division I men’s basketball, boasting a record above .830. That statistic alone speaks volumes about his impact and consistency.
Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have not only maintained excellence on the court but also represented the best of college athletics — integrity, teamwork, and sustained success built on culture, not shortcuts.
Few’s commitment to Gonzaga is as admirable as his success. Despite numerous offers from major programs and even NBA interest, he has remained loyal to the Bulldogs, choosing stability, family, and purpose over fame.
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The Future and Lasting Impact
As Gonzaga continues to compete for national titles, Few’s influence remains stronger than ever. His leadership continues to attract top-tier recruits, his staff remains among the most respected in the nation, and his program continues to inspire smaller schools to dream big.
Few’s ability to sustain elite performance in an ever-changing landscape is a model for coaches across all levels. His emphasis on fundamentals, character, and team unity has redefined what success looks like in college basketball.
> “It’s not about chasing titles,” Few once said. “It’s about building something lasting — a program that people respect for how we play and how we treat one another.”
That philosophy has come to define not just Gonzaga, but an entire era of modern college basketball.
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Conclusion
Mark Few’s journey is one of vision, loyalty, and transformation. From his humble beginnings as an assistant to becoming the face of a national powerhouse, Few has rewritten the blueprint for success in college basketball.
His 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, four Final Fours, two national championship games, and countless individual accolades tell only part of the story. His true legacy lies in how he built Gonzaga — with integrity, intelligence, and an unwavering belief in doing things the right way.
Through decades of excellence, Mark Few has not only elevated Gonzaga but also left an indelible mark on the sport itself. In an era of constant change, his leadership stands as a reminder that greatness is built not in moments of glory, but through years of dedication, consistency, and purpose.
Few may be his name — but greatness defines his legacy.
