Talking Zags: Dan Dickau, Adam Morrison break down Gonzaga’s first-round matchup with Georgia

The first round of the NCAA Tournament is always filled with excitement, and this year’s matchup between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Georgia Bulldogs is no different. As both teams gear up for what promises to be an intense battle, the stakes are high: Gonzaga, a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, looks to continue its tradition of deep tournament runs, while Georgia hopes to prove itself on the national stage after a solid season.

This matchup holds added intrigue given the talents on both sides. Gonzaga enters as the favorite, led by a seasoned coaching staff and several star players, including Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, and others. Georgia, under the leadership of head coach Mike White, has the potential to be an unpredictable force, with a mixture of youth and experience that can pose problems for any team.

In analyzing this matchup, we’re joined by two former Gonzaga standouts—Dan Dickau and Adam Morrison. Both players have extensive tournament experience and offer a unique perspective on the game. Dickau, known for his exceptional point guard play, and Morrison, one of the best scorers in Gonzaga’s history, bring a wealth of knowledge to their breakdowns of both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and keys to success.

As the game draws closer, it’s clear that both teams will need to rely on their star players, tactical flexibility, and experience to advance in the tournament. In this article, we will break down what to expect from both teams, examining key players, matchups, coaching strategies, and offering predictions from Dickau and Morrison on how this game will unfold.

Offensive Firepower

Gonzaga has long been known for its high-scoring offense, and this year is no exception. The Bulldogs are built on fluid offensive movement, an emphasis on spacing, and a relentless transition game. With Mark Few at the helm, Gonzaga’s offense thrives on fast breaks and efficient ball movement, always looking for the best shot possible.

At the heart of the offense is Drew Timme, one of the most dominant big men in the country. His low-post moves are practically unstoppable, and his ability to finish around the rim makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Timme also excels in high-post passing, allowing Gonzaga to run motion-based offenses that create open shots for their perimeter players. His versatility as a scorer and facilitator makes him the focal point of Gonzaga’s offensive scheme.

Supporting Timme is Julian Strawther, a gifted wing player with the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court. His deep shooting range forces opposing defenses to stretch, creating driving lanes for teammates. Strawther’s ability to get hot from beyond the arc can shift the momentum of a game quickly. Additionally, Gonzaga’s backcourt features solid playmakers like Rasir Bolton and Nolan Hickman, both of whom can create their own shot or distribute the ball effectively.

Coaching Philosophy

Mark Few’s coaching philosophy revolves around versatility and adaptability. Few has built Gonzaga into a program that is capable of playing a variety of styles—whether it’s a fast-paced game in transition or a more controlled, half-court offense. He places significant emphasis on fundamentals, such as ball movement, high basketball IQ, and defensive positioning.

Few’s ability to adjust his game plan based on his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses has been crucial in his team’s success over the years. In this game, Few will likely focus on exploiting Georgia’s defensive gaps, particularly in the post and on the perimeter. By forcing Georgia to defend Gonzaga’s balanced attack, Few will look to tire out the Bulldogs and establish an inside-outside game with Timme and Strawther.

Defensive Strategy

Georgia’s defensive philosophy is centered on limiting open shots and forcing turnovers. The Bulldogs have prided themselves on being a physical team that can disrupt offensive flow through aggressive defense. Mike White, in his second year as head coach, has focused on building a team that can contest shots while maintaining a strong presence in the paint. While Georgia doesn’t have the same level of individual talent as Gonzaga, they make up for it with team-oriented defense that can frustrate opponents.

Expect Georgia to focus on slowing down Gonzaga’s fast break and denying easy transition points. They’ll likely play a pack-line defense, which helps protect the rim and forces teams to beat them from the outside. This will be a key factor in how the game plays out—if Georgia can contain Gonzaga’s shooters and force them into contested perimeter shots, they’ll have a better chance at staying competitive.

Key Players

Georgia’s top player this season is Kario Oquendo, a dynamic guard who is capable of taking over games offensively. Oquendo is known for his ability to drive to the basket, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His athleticism will be crucial in matching up against Gonzaga’s perimeter defenders, and he’ll likely be tasked with guarding one of Gonzaga’s top players. If Oquendo can get to the rim and draw fouls, it could put pressure on Gonzaga’s defense.

Another key player is Jaxon Etter, a versatile forward who excels on both ends of the floor. Etter’s ability to stretch the floor and hit outside shots will be a critical factor in keeping Gonzaga’s defense honest. If Etter can get hot from beyond the arc, it will force Gonzaga to adjust and pay more attention to the perimeter, opening up space for Georgia’s inside players.

Coaching Strategy

Mike White’s experience coaching at Florida has shaped his approach to this game. White has consistently focused on building disciplined defensive teams that can grind out wins. His strategy will likely involve forcing Gonzaga into a slower-paced game, taking away easy transition baskets, and creating opportunities for his players to score in a half-court offense. Georgia will likely try to play a physical game, challenging Gonzaga’s ability to stay disciplined on both ends of the floor.

Point Guard Battle: Hickman vs. Oquendo

A key matchup to watch in this game is the battle between Gonzaga’s Nolan Hickman and Georgia’s Kario Oquendo. Hickman, a poised and efficient point guard, is known for his ability to run the offense and make smart decisions under pressure. However, Oquendo’s athleticism and explosiveness can create problems for opposing defenders, especially in one-on-one situations.

If Hickman can control the tempo of the game and keep the ball moving effectively, Gonzaga will have the upper hand. However, if Oquendo can force turnovers and turn them into easy transition points, Georgia might be able to dictate the pace and frustrate Gonzaga’s offensive flow.

Inside Battle: Timme vs. Etter

Another critical matchup will be between Gonzaga’s Drew Timme and Georgia’s Jaxon Etter. Timme’s low-post game is one of the best in the country, and he can dominate inside, drawing fouls and scoring efficiently. However, Etter’s ability to stretch the floor and defend in the post will be key. If Etter can avoid foul trouble and limit Timme’s effectiveness in the paint, Georgia will have a much better chance of slowing down Gonzaga’s offense.

Additionally, the performance of Anton Watson, who plays alongside Timme in the frontcourt, could be pivotal. Watson is a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions and contribute offensively. His ability to help contain Georgia’s interior players while also stretching the defense with mid-range shooting could prove to be an X-factor.

Tactical Adjustments

One of the most intriguing aspects of this game will be how both teams adjust throughout the game. If Gonzaga can establish its inside game early, Georgia may need to adjust by doubling Timme or changing their defensive alignments to force Gonzaga into a perimeter-heavy attack. On the other hand, if Georgia can slow down the game and keep it close, they may find opportunities to exploit Gonzaga’s defensive weaknesses, especially in transition.

Bench Depth

Gonzaga has significant depth, with capable players coming off the bench to contribute in various roles. Malachi Smith, for example, is an explosive guard who can provide a scoring spark when needed. Georgia, however, will need strong contributions from players like Christian Wright and Terry Roberts off the bench to keep the pressure on Gonzaga and give their starters a break. If either team’s bench players can outperform expectations, it could shift the momentum.

Experience Under Pressure

Gonzaga has been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament for years and has experience in high-pressure situations. This experience could be invaluable in a tight game. Conversely, Georgia has less tournament experience, and how they handle the intensity of the moment could be a decisive factor.

Dan Dickau’s Perspective

Dickau’s breakdown of the game focuses on Gonzaga’s ability to control the tempo and execute their offense. He points out that Timme will be the key to the game and that if he gets going early, it will be difficult for Georgia to keep up. Dickau also notes that Gonzaga’s depth, particularly in the backcourt, will be an advantage when facing Georgia’s defense.

Adam Morrison’s Insight

Morrison emphasizes the importance of Gonzaga’s defense in this game. While Gonzaga is known for its offensive firepower, Morrison believes that in a close game, it will be the defensive stops that make the difference. He stresses the importance of defending without fouling and contesting shots, particularly from Georgia’s key players like Oquendo and Etter.

Based on the analysis, it’s hard to imagine Gonzaga not advancing in this matchup, given their offensive firepower, depth, and experience. However, Georgia’s defense and ability to slow down the game could make this a closer contest than expected. Gonzaga 82, Georgia 70 is a reasonable prediction, with Gonzaga pulling away late in the second half after a strong showing from Timme and Strawther.

This first-round matchup between Gonzaga and Georgia has all the makings of a thrilling game, with both teams bringing different strengths to the table. Gonzaga’s offensive firepower, led by Timme and Strawther, faces off against Georgia’s physical defense and the dynamic scoring ability of Oquendo. As Dickau and Morrison point out, the key to the game will be how well Gonzaga can execute their offense and defend Georgia’s top players. For Georgia, slowing the pace and keeping the game close will be essential to their upset hopes. No matter the outcome, this game will be an exciting start to the tournament for both teams, with significant implications for their future in March Madness.