Friday, Oct. 12 It seems silly to call Gonzaga a mid-major, but until Mark Few hires a secretary and stops answering his own phone, the label stands. Gonzaga will absorb the personnel losses because Few brings in skilled players and teaches them how to play. Gonzaga's players are not saddled with defined roles for life, they are developed as complete players that grow into opportunities. Dan Dickau can play with any point guard in the nation, and his shooting ability, competitiveness and craftiness are a joy to watch. Blake Stepp, a fearless combo guard who knows the game and plays with the lights on, and Winston Brooks, a JC point guard who can allow Dickau to work off the ball, will give Few more handlers and shooters to spread the floor and use his diabolical offensive mind. Zach Gourde is a capable frontline player who is incredibly efficient, and Cory Violette and freshman Duston Villepigue will add talented bodies inside. But the real reason for Gonzaga's ranking is Few, a talented teacher and offensive innovator.

25
Gonzaga
LAST SEASON: 26-7
2001 FINAL RANKING
ESPN/USA Today: No. 20

Why No. 25?
The Bulldogs aren't a reach here. They got to the Sweet 16 last season because of their balance. They have it again with Dan Dickau, Blake Stepp and Zach Gourde. And who wants to go against Gonzaga? The talent is still in place for another magical run this season during the WCC and in the NCAA Tournament.

Will Rise If ...
The Bulldogs get help for Zach Gourde. They won't have trouble scoring on the perimeter with Dan Dickau, Blake Stepp and Winston Brooks. But they need Gourde to be effective in the post, as well as Cory Violette. Mark Few says that won't be a problem and if it isn't then the Bulldogs do have the personnel to be a consistent top 25 team.

Will Fall If ...
The Bulldogs are vulnerable defensively inside and their depth isn't as good as it has been in the past. They need to keep Dickau and Stepp on the court. They're going to go with a three-guard lineup most of the time and that should keep the pressure off the inside. But they can't allow teams to set up shop in the post. If they do, especially in their non-conference schedule, then they might struggle to win high-profile games.

-- Andy Katz, ESPN.com

SCOUTING REPORT: One WCC coach's take on the Bulldogs

“

You have to stop Dickau and Stepp. If you contain the perimeter then you've got a chance. You can't go all man or all zone against them. Somehow you've got to keep them away from the ball. Gourde is a solid player who can rebound but he was a role player and he needs to be more of a featured player. Defensively, they are underrated. Mark does a good job of mixing up his halfcourt and fullcourt defense. ”

2001-02 GONZAGA ROSTER
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Key 2000-01 Stats
(24) Kyle Bankhead	So.	G/F	6-3/195	PTS: 5.6 | REB: 1.8 | FG%: 48.2
(1) Winston Brooks	Jr.	G	6-0/185	JUCO transfer will give Dickau a little freedom in the backcourt
(21) Dan Dickau	Sr.	G	6-0/170	PTS: 18.9 | REB: 6.2 | FG%: 48.5
(11) Germayne Forbes	Jr.	G	6-1/182	PTS: 3.9 | REB: 1.4 | FG%: 39.6
(32) Zach Gourde	Jr.	F	6-8/249	PTS: 8.5 | REB: 3.9 | FG%: 63.0
(15) Alex Hernandez	Sr.	G/F	6-4/204	PTS: 6.8 | REB: 2.5 | FG%: 56.2
(14) Brian Michaelson	Fr.	G	6-3/190	Redshirted during 2000-01 season
(25) Anthony Reason	Sr.	G/F	6-5/200	PTS: 4.5 | REB: 3.5 | FG%: 54.1
(13) Josh Reisman	Fr.	G	6-0/155	3A player of the year in Washington may take redshirt this season
(34) Jay Sherrell	So.	F	6-8/220	PTS: 1.5 | REB: 1.4 | FG%: 50.0
(10) Blake Stepp	So.	G	6-4/190	PTS: 10.3 | REB: 3.6 | FG%: 39.8
(30) Dustin Villepigue	Fr.	F	6-9/215	Ready or not, he'll be asked to play minutes in thin frontcourt
(33) Cory Violette	So.	C/F	6-8/250	PTS: 3.6 | REB: 2.9 | FG%: 50.0
Head Coach: Mark Few (56-12, 2 years) Assistant Coaches: Bill Grier, Leon Rice, Tommy Lloyd Home Court: The Kennel (4,000); Spokane, Wash.

2001-02 GONZAGA SCHEDULE

November 16: at Illinois 18: Montana 22: St. John's (a) 23: TBD (a) 24: TBD (a) 29: Ark.-Pine Bluff

December 1: Portland St. 4: E. Washington 6: Fresno State (b) 15: Washington St. 21: E. Oregon St. 29: at Monmouth 31: at St. Joseph's

January 7: at New Mexico 11: Santa Clara 13: San Diego 18: at Pepperdine 19: at Loyola-Marymount 24: San Francisco 26: Saint Mary's 26: at Baylor 30: Portland

February 2: at Portland 7: at Santa Clara 9: at San Diego 14: Loyola-Marymont 16: Peppperdine 22: at San Francisco 23: at Saint Mary's 26: Texas Tech

March 2: WCC Tournament