In recognition of past players.

[NumberCruncher]

The first time I saw the Zags on TV was back in the 90s, and I was most impressed by John Rillie.

Recently, team Kyle (Wiltjer and Dranginis) stand out for me.

[FroZAG]

I've got to pick 3.


1) Eric McClellan
Sabonis and Wiltjer were who they were, and fantastic. But FOR SURE we would have lost the ncaa tourney streak if it were not for the play of one Eric McClellan down the stretch of the last 6 or 7 games. Especially the WCC tournament. Without the clutch play of Emac we are talking about a New streak. Took over games in stretches, hit clutch jumpers, timely needed buckets, free throws.....Won games for us.
Also I'll add, every player grows up during their playing years. And following the progression of Emac from early college all the way to where he is....has been my favorite of any GU player or college athlete.

2) I purchased an English Bulldog pup and wanted to name him Pargo. But he would Not answer to me calling him Pargo. So days later with the same result, I resorted to calling out names of current (at the time) Zags players.... as soon as I called Edi! his ears perked up and he came running right over! My pup essentially named himself, Edi.

Guy Landry Edi - International multi-sport star.

3) Mike Nilson
One of the best defensive players in GU history. Was one of the building blocks of the GU DNA. And led our mid-90's NBC Camp tour team to a 27-1 overall record while setting a great example for the younger guys.

[rennis]

I

3) Mike Nilson
One of the best defensive players in GU history. Was one of the building blocks of the GU DNA. And led our mid-90's NBC Camp tour team to a 27-1 overall record while setting a great example for the younger guys.

And a huge Pearl Jam fan which makes him one of the most important players ever in the history of GU just on that fact alone.

[Lurknomore]

Can't forget Wiltjer, came here and sat out that year and really helped the two years he was here. Loved watching him shoot the three and teaming with Sabonis last year. Represents GU well in the NBA.

[Zagdawg]

This may be in here somewhere already -- but making sure.

NBA's Gonzaga alumni react to Final Four berth on social media

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/page/QTP_170325SocialReactionGonzagaFinalFour/nba-gonzaga-bulldogs-alumni-react-final-four-berth-social-media

[RenoZag]

Byron Wesley

[RenoZag]

[ProVeeZag]

The first time I saw the Zags on TV was back in the 90s, and I was most impressed by John Rillie.

Recently, team Kyle (Wiltjer and Dranginis) stand out for me.

John Rillie, the "Mad Bomber" from Australia. That kid could knock down treys at night with the lights off!

[bigblahla]

The first time I saw the Zags on TV was back in the 90s, and I was most impressed by John Rillie.

Recently, team Kyle (Wiltjer and Dranginis) stand out for me.

Can't believe I didn't include Rillie....GU has been part of my life since 68-69, high school rock band played at dorms and in old COG...I didn't become a real Zag fan until Rillie shot the Zags through the WCC tournament and into the Dance..

[T-bonedazag]

Cool article from The Spokesman about past players and their memories of the tournament:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/mar/30/memory-lane-filled-for-ex-gonzaga-players-assistan/

[titopoet]

I am surprised that no one has mentioned him yet, and has to be one of the most transformational players in GU's program. Three of the current players named him and his story as to why they came (Nigel, J3 and Collins).

The transformation by Travis Knight of a role player into an All American and NBA lotto pick, Kelly "The Clinic' Olynyk has to be on any list of GU greats who paved the path to the FF and beyond.

The program is now known in BB circle for their player development and his story is front and center.