America's Team- The Zags

I stumbled across this incredible read by Mike Bookay of the Pacific NW Inlander. It takes you back to the beginning, from when nobody had heard of Gonzaga, to the incredible rise to #1 in the nation in the basketball polls.

Prepare to be enlightened:  America's Team

So, We Whiffed on Moser & Davis...big deal!

Look, I need to clear the air and get this out there. It takes a "special" player to don the uni for the Zags and we all know that. There was never a bonifide chance that Moser and Davis would pick Gonzaga. Although it was unique and admittedly kind of nice getting mentioned in the same breath as candidates for their services, they were never "Zag material." Duh!

Things are done differently at GU. Moser & Davis were ok but simply not "special" enough for our tastes. When it comes to recruiting, we are a breed apart. Additionally, recruiting has been the secret to our success. We do not mess with our proven recipe for just anyone.

Because of all the angst this has caused among the GU faithful, I wanted to help out. I present you with a roadmap of sorts below that might assist you in future determinations as to whether or not the staff is really after a recruit and he is indeed Zag material. Please keep these things in mind:

1). Our pg's must normally sing "Hi Ho, Hi-Ho-It's off to work we go" before all games. (Meetch, Stockton, Pangos) 

2). We like to implement the "4 on 5" or "3 on 5" offense.

3). Individual wings must not be able to shoot, rebound, or defend as a package deal.They can only succeed at one task at a time. This, is mandatory. (Hart, Landry, Barham)

4). We favor plucking our picks from the Lost City of Atlantis, where they have been secretly awaiting our rescue. (Keita, Karnowski, Moenninghoff)

5). If you can only shoot to your left, and your one post move is going left, you are welcome! (Dower, Karnowski)

6.) There must be at least two, if not three, walk-ons running the show at any time in live games. The more important said game...the better. (Hart, Stockton, Rem Bakamus)

7.) Our bigs must move about ssslowly under the rim, wear magnetron boots, and/or appear to enjoy quicksand. (Sacre, Kelly Olynyk)  

So, everybody calm down. This, is how we do it. There is nothing to worry about. It is all part of the master plan. Few & Co. have everything under control. As a matter of fact, he is currently working on his voice inflections and how to better establish "carry." He hopes to use this technique to gain an advantage during loud games, thereby gaining the attention of refs at pivotal times. He is presently working on just that, deep in the south fork of the Snake River Canyon. With the noise reverberation and all, and as long as he's there, he might as well get a little fishin in...

Tramaine Isabell Recruiting Update and Interview: Part 2

Who is Tramaine?

 This is part 2 of our look at 2014 Seattle Guard, Tramaine Isabell.  Despite his busy Schedule, we recently had the chance to catch up with him. He was kind enough to let us in on his recruitment, personal life and what the next year holds for him.

Josh: Which schools are going after you the hardest? Do you have a top 5? Top 10?

Tramaine: My Top ten schools are Seattle, Colorado, Gonzaga, Washington State, Nevada, Providence, Boise State, Cal State Bakersfield, Oregon State, and Rice.

Josh: Who has been in contact with you from Gonzaga?

Tramaine: I've talked to the assistants mostly. The assistant that just left to become the head coach at drake (Ray Giacoletti) came to a practice of mine at the end of my High School season.

Josh: What are you looking for at whichever program you choose to go to?

Tramaine: I want a program that's serious about winning and isn’t okay with being average. The coaches have to be good coaches and not just when it comes to hoops. And also the education I'd be receiving from the school.

Josh: What tournaments are you participating in this summer?

Tramaine: I play for Seattle Rotary Select and we're in the NIKE EYBL, so we are traveling almost every weekend! 

Josh: How has your AAU season gone so far?

Tramaine: My AAU season has gone pretty well so far. I've been focusing on making sure I get my guys rolling first & takeover when I need to. Roles change from High School to AAU ball and I think I've done a pretty good job at adjusting. 

Josh: How Do you anticipate your senior season going? 

Tramaine: I expect my senior season to heat up a lot more recruiting wise and for there to be a tad bit more success. I missed the free throw to win the 3A state championship game this year, I've learned and grown from that so hopefully we can repeat in the sense of getting to that stage.  Just with a different outcome.

Josh: How do you feel about the Seattle SuperSonics potentially returning in the next couple seasons?

Tramaine:  I'm super excited about the Sonics! I've gotten to know (Steve) Ballmer pretty well so I'm hoping once we get them (back), I'll be able to watch from a lot closer than I’m used too! (Laughs) 

Josh: Who were your favorite players growing up?

Tramaine: My favorite players are JCrossover (Jamal Crawford), B-Roy (Brandon Roy), Will Conroy, Kyrie Irving, Peyton Siva, Tone Wroten (Tony Wroten Jr.), Nate (Robinson)  And Kobe (Bryant).

Josh: Who have you modeled your game after?
Tramaine: I model my game after kyrie (Irving). Some people think we play alike because we can both score in bunches but have court vision as well. 

Josh: Who do you consider to be your mentor?

Tramaine: My mentors are Jamal (Crawford), B-Roy (Brandon Roy), and Will Conroy. They all give me a lot of advice that's useful, because they've already done everything I'm just starting. And I know they have my best interests in mind, so it's easy to take in everything they say because I know it's all valuable! 

Josh: Do you get on the sticks and play some NBA 2K13?

Tramaine:  Do I get on the sticks? Better ask about me! Gary Bell been running from me! I'm the best in the state on 2k! Yeah, I said it! (Laughs)

Josh: What is your favorite cereal?

Tramaine: My Favorite cereal might be Trix, Cap'n Crunch or frosted flakes! 

Tramaine: O's upppp! officials206.org #Os #Ht

Josh: Thanks for taking the time to interview with us Tramaine, best of luck this summer. Can’t wait to follow your senior season!

Stay Tuned, we will have more interviews and content soon!!! As Always, GO ZAGS! 

Tramaine Isabell Recruiting Update and Interview: Part 1

Who is Tramaine Isabell?

 Who is Tramaine Isabell? Tramaine is a 6-1 Point Guard for Lakeside High School and Seattle Rotary. He is in the class of 2014. We first had the chance to write about him back in June 2012 with this profile.

 Tramaine has continued to blossom and the Gonzaga staff continues to show interest. He has received interest from most of the PAC-12, several other western schools, Providence, and Rice. Right now he is one of the top players out of the Seattle area for 2014. He does have a personal relationship with Gary Bell Jr., expect the staff to rely on Gary to keep Tramaine updated on the Zags and maybe even host him should he decide to visit our campus in the coming year. He recently received his first Division 1 scholarship offer to Seattle University, link here.

NBA Draft Prospect: Kelly Olynyk

Nice little video put out by ESPN on Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk:

Re"doo" - Gaz Weighs in on Which Zag Had the Best/Coolest/Worst/ Hair

Ok, 

I get that this is kind of silly, but it's the off-season and Gonzaga has been known across the nation, and in the media, for players with CrAzY hair. So, I thought it would be fun to throw up a couple of pictures, and let you know who my pick would be. It's OK for you to have a favorite too.

I decided to add in a couple of Zags left out the last time I ran this. This time Kelly Olynyk made the list as well as Dan Dickau, who recently opened a barbershop in North Spokane near the Division Street Y. Read about it - HERE


Let's look at a few of the Zags with notorious hair:

1. Chris Sarbaugh: 

2. Steven Gray:

3. Ronny Turiaf:          

4. Matt Bouldin:

                                                                      
Adam Morrison:

Dan Dickau:

Kelly Olynyk:

*Honorable Mention- Elias Harris' "picked out" fro on Senior Day:

1. Sarbaugh looks like he just don't care what's going on up top.

2. Steven Gray sported braids or corn rows and the crammed back headband style.

3. Ronny Turiaf alternated between braids and a huge fro.

4. Matt Bouldin, well, he may not have combed his hair the entire time he was at Gonzaga.

5. Adam Morrison. He had the short doo in the beginning. He also grew it out long.

6. Dan Dickau was too busy hitting bombs from the parking lot to care about his hair, but, anyone who opens a barbershop has got to be looked at as a serious contender.

7. Kelly Olynyk had the longest hair. It came with loosely fitting accessories (headbands) that oft times found their way to the court floor. And what was up with licking his fingers, then combing it with?

So, which player is the all-time winner? My pick is Ammo. He had the hair no one else had. It was long, it was short but...he had THE STACHE to add to the "hair" repertoire. In my opinion, the famed mustache puts him over the top. Remember, "you can't stop the stache."

It's Official: Kelly Olynyk to the NBA

Jim Meehan of the Spokeman Review is reporting that Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk will forgo his senior season and declare for the draft.

" Gonzaga’s Kelly Olynyk has decided to bypass his senior season and declare for the NBA draft, The Spokesman-Review has learned.Olynyk, who turned 22 today, averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks as a junior. He made 63 percent of his field-goal attempts and 77.6 percent of his free throws.The 7-foot forward from Kamloops, B.C., was a consensus All-American as well as an academic All-American selection." 

See story:  Olynyk declares 
Gary Parrish of CBS Sports: Has this to say 
GoZags: Kelly Announces Plans

Sorry to see him go but the handwriting was on the wall and this comes as no real surprise. When the iron was as hot at it was it was time to go. We wish Kelly every success in the NBA!

Hopefully, we can land Tulane's Josh Davis and/or UNLV's Mike Moser to shore up our front court.

Gonzaga Recruit Tramaine Isabell (6'1 PG) Highlights Video

Gonzaga is very active right now in recruiting and Tramaine Isabel of Seattle Rotary Select AAU tweeted that Gonzaga was "showing him the love." Great handles, likes to put it on the floor & drive to the basket. Excellent touch off the backglass and nice 3 point shooter. I am sure coach Romar of UW would be less than thrilled if the Zags stole this PG away from the Seattle area, lol. 

Enjoy the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4LXA4Lddgg

Where are they Now? Micah Downs on the Move Again & Dan Dicau's New Store

Former Gonzaga ultra talented wing, Micah Downs, has signed with the Bucaneros de La Guaira from Venezuela. 

He had been playing with the Boston Celtics, was released, and had recently been playing with the NBA's Developmental League with the Maine Red Claws, where he was doing quite well. He averaged 16.0 ppg and approx. 6 boards per game in 48 contests. Best of luck Micah!    

*Also: News about another Zag- Former All American, and x-NBA player, Dan Dicau, has opened a stylish barber shop in North Spokane. When I visited yesterday during the grand opening he was next door at Starbucks, so I just missed him. You can get a coupon for a FREE haircut at the Rosauers located at the North Division Street Y. A nice assortment of Zag memorabilia adorn the walls. In particular, I noticed a signed and framed Adam Morrison Poster, as well as a cool Muhammad Ali poster among the items. You can watch sports on the big screen TV, get some free popcorn, and free soda while you are there. Dan is not doing the hair cutting but you might get a chance to see him hanging out at his new store and say hello!

Kevin Pangos: the next breakout star?

With the likely departure of Kelly Olynyk, who will be the next breakout star for Gonzaga?  In this ESPN article, Myron Medcalf and Eamonn Brennan discuss possible breakout stars next season: Kevin Pangos is one such player.

ESPN Breakout Stars Article