In college basketball, strategic scheduling is essential for coaches and athletic directors to bolster their team’s chances of NCAA Tournament selection. The Gonzaga men’s basketball team is currently in the process of finalising their 2024-25 nonconference schedule, which promises to be a challenging one.
In the preceding 2023-24 season, the Zags played against five nonconference teams that eventually secured spots in the NCAA Tournament. This upcoming season, Gonzaga anticipates taking on even more high-profile away games, contributing to their robust schedule.
The Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas is a significant event on Gonzaga’s calendar, with teams like Arizona, Indiana, Louisville, and West Virginia set to participate. These matchups pose an intriguing challenge for Gonzaga as they strive to build upon their previous successes.
Another noteworthy fixture is the renewal of the West Coast rivalry between Gonzaga and UCLA. Despite the Zags securing victories in the last four head-to-head meetings, UCLA’s revamped roster and ambitious aspirations for the upcoming season signal a tough match-up.
The Bulldogs will also face off against Kentucky in Seattle, marking the third installment of their nonconference series, in an enticing clash between two powerhouse teams.
Furthermore, Gonzaga is scheduled to play the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden in New York. UConn, the reigning two-time national champions, promises a formidable challenge for the Zags.
Finally, the Zags will go head-to-head against the San Diego State Aztecs in San Diego, presenting an opportunity for Gonzaga to avenge a rare home loss experienced against San Diego State in the past season.
Overall, Gonzaga’s 2024-25 nonconference schedule is replete with enthralling matchups designed to test the team’s skills and capabilities. With formidable opponents on the horizon, the Zags will need to bring their A-game to secure victories and fortify their standing in the NCAA rankings.
As basketball enthusiasts anticipate the commencement of the new season, Gonzaga’s nonconference schedule is poised to be a focal point of interest. The team’s performance in these challenging match-ups will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their positioning in the NCAA Tournament.
With the return of college basketball on the horizon, fans will keenly observe Gonzaga as they prepare to face off against some of the toughest opponents in the country. The upcoming season promises to be an exhilarating one, characterized by intense and closely contested games that are bound to captivate fans.