Gonzaga Basketball Finds Itself Just Inside the Top 20 of the USA TODAY Preseason Coaches Poll: Respect, Renewal, and Relentless Ambition
For over two decades, Gonzaga basketball has been synonymous with consistency, excellence, and championship-level ambition. Under head coach Mark Few, the Bulldogs have evolved from a small-school Cinderella story to a powerhouse program that commands national respect year after year. As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, Gonzaga’s placement just inside the Top 20 of the USA TODAY Preseason Coaches Poll may not seem as high as in previous years — but to anyone who knows this program, it’s a sign of renewed hunger, not decline.
The Zags enter the new campaign with a balanced mix of veteran leadership, high-upside young talent, and the unshakable culture that has defined their success since Few took over in 1999. For Gonzaga, rankings have never been the true measure of potential. Instead, it’s how the team responds — how they develop chemistry, handle adversity, and rise when the spotlight shines brightest in March — that defines their legacy.
A Legacy of Excellence
Gonzaga’s presence in the national conversation has been so consistent that it’s almost easy to forget how remarkable their run has been. Since the late 1990s, they have made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching multiple Elite Eights, two national championship games, and claiming countless WCC titles. Few’s system — emphasizing fluid offense, spacing, and discipline — has transformed Spokane into one of the most respected basketball hubs in the country.
Even in seasons when Gonzaga begins outside the Top 10, they have a track record of improving as the season progresses. This preseason ranking, then, is less a limitation and more a reflection of the program’s transition phase — a time to blend experience with rising talent and prepare for another postseason surge.
Why Gonzaga Still Commands Respect
Landing inside the Top 20 of the Coaches Poll, especially in an era defined by the transfer portal and NIL reshuffling, is no small feat. Gonzaga’s staying power amid the chaos of modern college basketball underscores its stability and culture. Few’s leadership has fostered an environment where player development remains the core.
Unlike programs that rely solely on five-star recruits or short-term transfers, Gonzaga builds continuity. Many of its players — from Adam Morrison to Domantas Sabonis to Corey Kispert and Drew Timme — grew into stars through the system’s structure and guidance. This year’s roster reflects the same blueprint: skilled, smart, and unselfish basketball.
Key Returners Poised to Lead
Heading into the 2025–26 season, the Bulldogs boast several returners ready to carry the torch. Their veteran guard play, frontcourt versatility, and defensive intensity should anchor them against a grueling nonconference schedule.
Returning starters bring not only production but also institutional knowledge — the understanding of Gonzaga’s rhythm, offensive patterns, and defensive rotations. These qualities are what separate great programs from good ones. While some of the flashier teams may headline preseason headlines, Gonzaga’s experience could quietly make them one of the most dangerous teams come March.
New Faces, Same Standards
Few and his staff have also landed a strong incoming class, including promising transfers and high-profile freshmen who fit the program’s philosophy. These additions bring energy and athleticism to an already disciplined roster.
The hallmark of Gonzaga basketball is adaptability — the ability to retool without rebuilding. Each year, the Bulldogs blend new talent with returning leadership seamlessly. Whether through international recruiting pipelines or strategic transfer acquisitions, the coaching staff ensures the team remains versatile and deep.
The Bulldogs’ offseason workouts emphasized defensive intensity and pace. With college basketball increasingly trending toward positionless play, Gonzaga’s emphasis on switchable defenders and fluid ball movement aligns perfectly with the modern game.
The Mark Few Factor
Mark Few’s longevity as head coach remains one of the most stabilizing forces in all of college basketball. His record — over 890 career wins with a .805 winning percentage — places him among the all-time greats. Yet, Few’s approach remains humble, methodical, and deeply centered on team culture.
He understands that rankings are only the starting point. Over the years, Gonzaga teams have entered seasons ranked No. 1 and also unranked — and both paths have led to deep tournament runs. Few’s steady hand ensures that his players stay focused on internal goals rather than external validation.
This preseason ranking inside the Top 20? Few likely sees it as motivation — a reminder that Gonzaga’s climb is constant.
National Perception vs. Internal Reality
On the national stage, Gonzaga’s presence inside the Top 20 may raise questions for some analysts: Are the Bulldogs still elite? Can they still compete with the blue bloods of college basketball?
The answer, of course, is yes.
This is a program that has beaten Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA on major stages. It has produced NBA talent, cultivated All-Americans, and maintained a standard of excellence few schools can match.
Internally, the focus remains unchanged. The Bulldogs measure success not by preseason hype but by postseason performance. The staff emphasizes preparation, execution, and adaptability — traits that often allow Gonzaga to peak precisely when it matters most.
A Challenging Nonconference Slate
One reason Gonzaga commands respect every season is its willingness to schedule tough nonconference opponents. Few deliberately arranges matchups against top-ranked programs — whether through the Maui Invitational, neutral-site classics, or road challenges — to test his team’s mettle early.
This year’s schedule once again features high-stakes contests that will serve as benchmarks for the Bulldogs’ development. These early-season battles are less about wins and losses and more about identity. By the time conference play begins, Gonzaga’s players will have faced adversity, learned from mistakes, and sharpened their competitive edge.
Player Development: The Gonzaga Blueprint
Few’s philosophy revolves around developing complete players. Gonzaga alumni are known for their basketball IQ, versatility, and professionalism. It’s no coincidence that former Zags thrive in the NBA and overseas.
In this upcoming season, expect to see continued growth from the younger core. The coaching staff has placed heavy emphasis on strength conditioning, shot consistency, and transition decision-making — all crucial factors in modern basketball.
The team’s training approach integrates analytics and film study, giving players detailed insight into tendencies and spacing. This attention to detail is part of what keeps Gonzaga consistently among the nation’s elite, even when rosters change.
Leadership in the Locker Room
Every successful Gonzaga team has featured strong locker-room leaders — players who embody the program’s standards both on and off the court. This season is no different. Veterans have embraced the responsibility of mentoring younger teammates, ensuring the team’s chemistry remains cohesive.
In practices and team meetings, emphasis is placed on accountability, trust, and effort. The coaching staff encourages open communication, allowing every player — from senior starters to freshmen reserves — to contribute their voice.
This collaborative environment has become one of Gonzaga’s trademarks, fostering unity and shared purpose.
WCC Landscape: A Familiar Battleground
While Gonzaga has dominated the West Coast Conference for decades, competition has grown more challenging. Programs like Saint Mary’s and San Francisco have strengthened their rosters, eager to dethrone the perennial champions.
However, the Bulldogs remain the gold standard. Their consistent presence in the Top 25 — now solidified again in this preseason poll — serves as both a target and a source of pride. Few knows his team must treat every conference game as an opportunity to improve and build momentum toward the NCAA Tournament.
Expectations vs. Reality
Entering the season just inside the Top 20 may not match the lofty No. 1 rankings of past years, but it aligns perfectly with this team’s personality — gritty, grounded, and determined.
Few and his players embrace the challenge of proving themselves once again. Every possession, every defensive stop, and every road game becomes an opportunity to demonstrate that Gonzaga basketball remains one of the most respected brands in college sports.
By March, if history is any indication, few will remember the preseason poll number. What they will remember is Gonzaga’s trademark intensity and its ability to rise when it matters most.
A Season Built on Opportunity
The 2025–26 campaign is more than a ranking; it’s a chance for Gonzaga to reaffirm its identity. The Bulldogs have the tools to exceed expectations — size, shooting, defensive grit, and one of the most experienced coaching staffs in America.
Analysts may question whether the Zags can return to championship contention, but inside the program, confidence remains unwavering. The culture of belief, preparation, and excellence is alive and well in Spokane.
The Message to the Nation
Gonzaga’s presence inside the Top 20 is a statement of continuity. It signals that, despite roster changes and shifting dynamics across college basketball, the Bulldogs remain a formidable force. Few’s program continues to produce results that demand attention, respect, and admiration.
As the season unfolds, Gonzaga will look to climb the rankings through performance rather than perception. The Bulldogs have never been content with participation — only with contention.
Looking Ahead: March and Beyond
Ultimately, every Gonzaga season is judged by its finish. The goal remains the same: a deep NCAA Tournament run, and perhaps, that long-awaited national championship.
With strong leadership, tactical brilliance from Few, and a roster built for adaptability, Gonzaga once again has the ingredients to make noise when the lights shine brightest.
This preseason ranking is not a ceiling — it’s a launchpad.
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Conclusion: Quiet Confidence in Spokane
For a program that has lived at the intersection of tradition and transformation, Gonzaga’s placement just inside the Top 20 of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll is not a demotion — it’s a reminder of what’s possible.
In a college basketball landscape filled with uncertainty, Gonzaga remains one of the most consistent, disciplined, and dangerous teams in America.
They may begin the year outside the Top 10, but make no mistake: the Bulldogs are coming.
They’ve done it before, and they’ll do it again — methodically, fearlessly, and with the unmistakable rhythm of a program that knows greatness isn’t granted by rankings, but earned through every dribble, every pass, and every moment under the March spotlight.
