Elite Prospect Josh Perkins on Campus this Weekend...will he commit?

Exciting times as highly touted point guard, Josh Perkins, has finally made it to the Gonzaga Campus this weekend for an official visit.

Although coach Few has been on him for awhile now, it will probably take a minor miracle to get him to commit to being a Zag at this point in his recruitment process. He is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound point guard who is the #22 ranked prospect in the country for the 2014 class on 247Sports.com. He averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game as a junior while attending Regis Jesuit of Colorado. Perkins is an elite hoops prospect who is transferring to the NBA creating pipeline, Huntington Prep, for his senior season. The thinking is that this move, with the added exposure, will make his recruitment blow up even more.

Gonzaga and UCLA were once considered the frontrunners for his services, but Perkins recruitment is really starting to escalate. He has at least 30 DI offers on the table. And now coach Calipari of Kentucky is taking a look. I will never forget how coach Cal came in at the last second and locked up potential Zag, Kyle Wiltjer. Most prognosticators thought he was a lock for becoming a Zag until coach Cal jumped into the fray. With Calipari sniffing around it gives me a nervous feeling. Some of the other notables we are up against are: Syracuse, USC, Baylor, and Kansas. 

With Pangos and Gary Bell set to become upperclassmen next season (wow,that was fast!) obtaining Perkin's commitment would be a huge success and bode well for the programs future. It's doubtful that he will commit during his visit as he plans on taking more official visits, but we certainly hope the staff and players roll out the red carpet and show him the love!
He recently tweeted:

Just landed in Spokane! #gonzagabound
— Josh Perkins (@JoshPerkins03) June 9, 2013

The X-Factor 2012 Revisited

Last year we brought you a first hand look at Kelly Olynyk as he returned from redshirt season. He was seen as an enigma, someone who had extreme talent but up to that point had largely disappointed. Well 2012-13 has come and gone and Kelly O went on to have a spectacular season leading GU to many first time achievements such as a #1 ranking and #1 seed in the NCAA tourney. The impact Kelly made last season took a team with lots of promise to a team that looked poised to go to the Promised Land.

Rewind back to that gut wrenching loss at the hands of the Wichita State Shockers and all the pain and heartache. Despite a 26 point 9 rebound performance from KO, the Zags exited the tourney in the 2^nd round…again, for the third straight season. Kelly was obviously the star, however when we needed him most he shot just 36% from the field. Now fast forward a few weeks later to the most nerve-wracking announcement of the offseason thus far and Kelly jumps ship, he’s headed pro.  Obviously no one is surprised, Kelly is a lock as a mid 1^st rounder, and will probably be chosen higher than any Zag since Adam Morrison, but you have to wonder did the sting of that 2^nd round defeat seal the deal? Did the thought of coming back and having another underwhelming NCAA tourney on the team everyone else thinks is soft come into play? We may never truly know.

I sit here on a muggy early summer night in the bluegrass state wondering what could have been for Kelly in his senior season. I’m left with visions of nets being cut down, and more Harlem shake videos. What could have been will forever fill my mind. Perhaps we should view Kelly as just another immensely talented Zag that broke our hearts when we needed them most, or maybe I’m being too melodramatic. Whatever your opinion of the matter might be, we can still reach back and remember that incredible 31-2 regular season. The perfect West Coast Conference slate. That All-American season KO put on for us. We can think back to what the staff saw when they drove to Kamloops to watch a shaggy headed, lanky, and somewhat uncoordinated player absolutely destroying his local competition.  I will always remember this season for its ups and downs, from the botched inbounds pass at center court in Indianapolis, to the heights of seeing my Zags silence Matthew Dellavedova and co. in the WCC tourney. Above it all, I will always remember Kelly. 

Interview with Kelly Olynyk at the NBA Draft Combine Today

When asked what separates him from the other centers in a draft that goes five deep in them- Kelly says it's his skillset, basketball IQ, versatility, and work ethic. He also apparently had 4 interviews today with Dallas, Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Washington, with more to come tomorrow. 

Best of success to KO!!~

Check out the video of Kelly at the NBA Combine today:  COMBINE INTERVIEW

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.