Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Spokane, AL (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because theres' always next season.
Gonzaga has been a perennial power under Mark Few, who has very little to accomplish as a coach. One thing that has eluded both Gonzaga and Few is the Final Four, and it appeared that that drought may end this season with a number of bigger teams being knocked out last weekend. It wasn't meant to be though, as the Zags were knocked off by a suddenly hot Syracuse Orange squad.
Now, Gonzaga looks like a team in transition. Gone are Kyle Wiltjer, Eric McClellan, Przemek Karnowski, Kyle Dranginis, and likely Domantas Sabonis. Luckily, Few will get two big transfers eligible next season in Johnathan Williams III and Nigel Williams-Goss.
Joining those two is a deep and talented class. Zach Norvell and Zach Collins are the only two recruits from the states, giving this class an international flavor. Norvell is a big time shooter with decent size for the perimeter, while Collins is a multi-dimensional big man who Few has used very well in years past. Jacob Larsen is a big and skilled forward at 6-foot-10 who can lay the wood in the paint. Rui Hachimura is an intriguing combo forward at 6-foot-8, 210 pounds. and Frenchman Killian Tillie will bring more size at 6-foot-9, 210 pounds.
Gonzaga has established itself as the class of the WCC. The real question will be if the Bulldogs can get over the final hump and into the last weekend of the season. While that may not happen next season, this international and multi-dimensional group may be the ones who climb that last summit with Few if given enough time.
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