Three things to remember from Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament

Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the 2002 NCAA Tournament was a memorable moment in college basketball. Although Georgia entered the game as the underdog, the Bulldogs gave Gonzaga a hard-fought challenge. Here are three key takeaways from that game that shaped the outcome and highlighted some significant aspects of Gonzaga’s dominance in the tournament.

1. Gonzaga’s Resilience and Teamwork

One of the standout features of Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round was the team’s resilience and strong teamwork. The Zags showed their characteristic ability to come together as a cohesive unit, often thriving in situations where individual talents and collective efforts meshed seamlessly.

Gonzaga, led by head coach Mark Few, was known for its team-oriented basketball. The Zags relied on their unselfish passing, high basketball IQ, and defensive discipline. While they boasted individual stars, such as the experienced senior point guard, Blake Stepp, and the emerging star, Adam Morrison, it was the team-first approach that made them so difficult to beat. This was especially evident during their matchup against Georgia, where they faced a Georgia team that was scrappy and aggressive.

Gonzaga displayed excellent ball movement, frequently finding open teammates for easy baskets. They also showed maturity by not getting rattled when Georgia mounted a comeback. The Zags kept their composure, capitalizing on Georgia’s mistakes and sticking to the fundamentals that had served them well all season.

A particular highlight in terms of teamwork was how Gonzaga handled adversity during moments when Georgia was threatening to pull off an upset. They maintained their composure and never let the game slip away, with every player contributing in different ways—whether it was on the defensive end, in transition, or through timely scoring.

Blake Stepp, as the team’s floor general, epitomized the importance of leadership. He was instrumental in guiding the offense and setting the tone for his teammates. His decision-making under pressure and ability to orchestrate plays were pivotal in getting Gonzaga the necessary baskets when it counted. Additionally, players like Ronny Turiaf and John Rillie contributed both offensively and defensively, giving the Zags depth and versatility.

2. The Emergence of Future Stars

Gonzaga’s 2002 team was a blend of experience and youth, and this victory against Georgia highlighted the beginning of what would become the rise of several future stars who would go on to make a significant impact in college basketball and the NBA. Specifically, Adam Morrison’s performance in the game offered an early glimpse into the extraordinary talent he would develop over the coming years.

Morrison, still a freshman at the time, had flashes of brilliance throughout the game. His scoring ability was evident, as he showcased a versatile offensive game, mixing outside shooting with smart movement off the ball. His poise under pressure and ability to make big plays were rare qualities for a freshman. As the Zags progressed through the tournament, Morrison would continue to develop into one of the most dynamic and well-known players in college basketball, ultimately leading Gonzaga to national prominence.

But it wasn’t just Morrison who caught the eye in this game. Players like Ronny Turiaf, a native of France, also showed why he was such an important asset to the team. Turiaf was known for his energy, athleticism, and defensive prowess, and he proved his worth during the victory over Georgia. His shot-blocking and rebounding efforts were crucial in securing a solid defensive foundation for Gonzaga, especially during critical moments when Georgia was threatening to make a push.

In addition, players like Richie Frahm, who was known for his shooting ability, contributed in crucial moments. Frahm’s leadership and ability to hit key shots in the clutch were invaluable for Gonzaga as they sought to advance further in the tournament. All of these emerging players, combined with the veterans, created a solid foundation for what would become Gonzaga’s rise as a perennial power in college basketball in the following years.

3. Gonzaga’s Defensive Prowess and Clutch Moments

While Gonzaga was known for its offensive efficiency, the Zags’ defense played a significant role in their victory over Georgia. A key takeaway from this game was Gonzaga’s ability to clamp down on Georgia’s offense when it mattered most. The Zags were able to stifle Georgia’s playmakers and force critical turnovers, which ultimately tilted the game in Gonzaga’s favor.

Georgia’s leading scorer, Jarvis Hayes, was a significant threat throughout the game. However, Gonzaga’s defense, especially on the perimeter, limited his ability to take over the game. The Zags did an excellent job of contesting shots and forcing tough possessions, which kept Georgia from building any real momentum.

Additionally, Gonzaga’s ability to protect the rim and control the glass was an important factor in maintaining a lead throughout the game. The Zags didn’t allow Georgia to get easy second-chance points, and they consistently controlled the tempo with strong rebounding efforts, especially from Turiaf and Morrison.

One of the most pivotal moments in the game came late, when Georgia was starting to close the gap. With the game on the line, Gonzaga’s defense held firm. They successfully stopped Georgia’s fast-break opportunities, which had been a key part of Georgia’s offense throughout the game. With each clutch defensive stop, Gonzaga’s confidence grew, and they were able to make enough timely shots to hold off Georgia’s advances.

In addition to their defensive discipline, Gonzaga’s ability to execute in clutch moments was on full display. With the game hanging in the balance, they executed their plays under pressure, whether it was converting free throws or hitting key jump shots. This poise in high-pressure situations was a hallmark of Gonzaga’s tournament runs and demonstrated their maturity as a team.

Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the 2002 NCAA Tournament first round was a showcase of resilience, teamwork, and the emergence of future stars. The Zags’ defense and ability to close out games in clutch moments were key factors in their victory. Additionally, players like Adam Morrison, Blake Stepp, and Ronny Turiaf all made significant contributions that laid the groundwork for their team’s future success. As Gonzaga moved deeper into the tournament, it became clear that the program was on the cusp of something special, and this game against Georgia was a pivotal moment in the history of Gonzaga basketball.