LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Washington State Cougars both traveled down to Vegas to partake in their final WCC Media Day.
Starting with Gonzaga men’s basketball, Graham Ike and Braden Huff plan to be one of the best one-two frontcourt punches in college hoops. Head coach Mark Few spoke about how much he trusts not only those starters, but the reserve big men of Ismaila Diagne, Parker Jefferson and Noah Haaland.
“Physically, they’re really pushing each other in the paint. It’s been athletic, and it’s been physical, to the point where it’s occasionally reminded me of our 2017 team, which had a luxury of great bigs, and our practices were just absolute physical Donnie Brooks, and I think it really, really prepped us well for the games.”
Few added his thoughts on another extremely challenging non-conference schedule, and how making sure the Zags never have it easy outside of WCC play adds to their prestige.
“It’s really, really going to be challenging, but we got some great teams, we’re going to play in some great venues, and again, I think that’s another reason why these guys come here, and that’s the expectation that they have, so that’s why we’ve always scheduled that way. That’s one of the myriad of reasons.”
Gonzaga begins their 2025-26 season hosting the Texas Southern Tigers on November 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Washington State rounded out the Inland Northwest’s participation today, and head coach David Riley spoke candidly on what it’s like to have a second year at both WSU and in the WCC.
“Every day was new last year, for every player, every person on staff, and I think just knowing what’s coming, whether it’s being in Washington State, living in Pullman, or coaching in the WCC. Just a lot more familiarity.”
Riley added what the Cougs need to do to replicate their impressive 9-2 start from last season.
“I think the big piece is making sure our identity is showing every game. If we play fast and share the ball, it’s going to be really hard to guard us. If we play physical and play the paint, I think it’s really going to be hard to score on us. We got the talent to go beat those teams, and I think, for us, just making sure that identity shows early.”
WSU opens their season against Idaho on November 3 at 6:30 p.m.
The Zags women’s team started in the morning, and they spoke about the tough non-conference schedule, the confidence they have in their new freshman and transfers, and how Allie Turner can build on her record-setting freshman season last year.
The Bulldogs starts their next season on the road at the North Dakota State Bison on Friday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
The Cougs women followed, and their focus was on how they can continue their winning record even without steady starter Tara Wallack, one of the best shooters, rebounders and shot-blockers in WSU women’s hoops history.
“I think that, you know, it was unfortunate that we lost a lot of players, especially Tara, who was such a great leader on the team, but we have so many new incomers that are going to make such a big difference,” Cougars forward Alex Covill said. “The freshmen are all so uniquely special, and they all bring something to this team.”
Wazzu tips off the new year against the Idaho Vandals at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3.
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