Maui Preview: Gonzaga Q&A with Mr. Jim Meehan of The Spokesman Review‏

Mr. Meehan covers the Gonzaga Bulldogs for The Spokesman Review. You can find his work at:

http://www.spokesman.com/staff/jim-meehan/

Baltimore Sports and Life thanks Mr. Meehan for answering a few questions about Gonzaga.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “After missing all but 5 games in 2008-9 with a broken foot, the 7 foot Center Robert Sacre has returned. Against Michigan State, he was 7 for 12 from the field in just 19 mts, finishing with 17 points for the 2nd-straight game to start the year. Conversely, the Zags have barely played 6’11 redshirt freshman Andy Poling, 6’11 true freshman Sam Dower, or 7’5 senior Will Foster. Do you see any of these 3 being able to emerge as a quality backup behind Sacre?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “Most of the backup minutes will go to Foster and true freshman Kelly Olynyk, who can also play the ‘4’. Poling is another option, but he’s played sparingly after a redshirt season in 2008-09. Foster can be a factor at the defensive end, blocking shots and rebounding. Olynyk is a versatile player who probably lacks the bulk to be a true center, but he can create some matchups with his ball-handling and ability to operate on the perimeter. GU plans on redshirting Dower.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Last year Matt Bouldin improved his 3pt shooting, and his assist to turnover ratio. He has a strong FG %, he rebounds well for a guard. Where in his game is there room for improvement during his Senior season?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “Bouldin is being counted on for his versatilitly on the court and to take over as the team leader. Gonzaga lost four key players from last year, including vocal leader Jeremy Pargo. Bouldin is the team’s most experienced player, but he’s not a rah-rah guy. Still, it’s no secret coaches consider this Bouldin’s team and with the surrounding cast dominated by underclassmen, they want Bouldin t o assume that role.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “6’7 forward Elias Harris is averaging 17.5 points, and 8 boards after 2 collegiate games. Was the coaching staff expecting immediate production from the German Freshman? What can you tell us about the other Freshman guards and wings Mangisto Arop, Kelly Olynyk, and G.J. Vilarino?

Mr. Jim Meehan: “Harris is a freshman, but he’s 20 years old and has international experience from playing with the German national team. Yes, GU thought he would make an immediate impact. He’s a strong, athletic player and a natural fit at the ‘4.’ He does most of his work within 10 feet of the hoop, but he popped out and hit a 3-pointer against Michigan State. He’s very active, gets to the foul line. Arop, a rangy 6-5 guard, and the 6-11 Olynyk also have international experience playing for Canada last summer. Arop only played two minutes against Michigan State, but he appears to be a good defender and rebounder. Olynyk, as I mentioned above, is a skilled big man that figures to see a lot of minutes this season. G.J. Vilarino originally signed with Kentucky, but changed course after Calipari was hired. He’s very fast with the ball. He’s only attempted three shots, but he made both of his perimeter jumpers.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “There appears to be a lot of excitement about the potential of Sophomore transfer Bol Kong, but he has yet to make an appearance. What are the reasons for the excitement, and what has kept him glued to the bench so far?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “Kong has been injured for much of the preseason and he arrived at school late because of Visa problems (he’s Sudanese, but lived in Canada most of his life). He played one season of college ball in Canada and was a force at the offensive end, but he hasn’t played in an official game in almost two years. He’s in catch-up mode — from his two-year layoff, his late arrival and his injuries — but could add some offensive firepower as the season progresses.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “What are the strengths and weaknesses of the starting guards Demetri Goodson, and Steven Gray? Last year as a Sophomore, Gray averaged 27 minutes a game just as he had in his Frosh season, but his shooting regressed. Is he capable of being a consistent scoring option?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “Goodson is a defensive-minded guard, hard-nosed and extremely fast with ball in transition. Coaches are hopeful he can develop a consistent perimeter jump shot. Gray has been a streaky shooter in his two-plus seasons, but he is somewhat in the Bouldin mode in that he’s a solid rebouder, passer, defender, ball-handler, etc. When his shot is falling, he’s capable of 20-, 25-point nights.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Last year in the Old Spice Classic, Maryland was blown out by Gonzaga. The Terps were destroyed on the boards 41-30, and had no answer for the inside play of Josh Heytvelt, or the length and athleticism of Austin Daye. This year the Terps have a couple of young answers inside, and a greater ability to run. If these two teams face-off in Maui, how would you imagine MD would attempt to attack the Zags?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “The matchup will be completely different if they play in Maui. Many of GU’s players from last year’s game (Heytvelt 22 points, Daye 17, Pargo 11, Downs 8) are gone. GU is more physical inside with Sacre and Harris. Gray, Goodson and Sacre were basically coming off the bench in that game a year ago and now all three could play 30-plus minutes. I know GU recruited Vasquez and he’s a tough matchup for anybody.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “On a number of interviews in recent years, Gary Williams has gone out of his way to compliment the Gonzaga program, and state his respect for Coach Few. Despite owning a 264-65 career record (including a 3-0 lifetime record vs. Maryland and Gary Williams), and making the NCAA Tournament in each of his first 10 seasons, including 4 Sweet 16 appearances; Coach Few always seems to be mentioned in that 2nd-tier of elite coaches nationally. Does Gonzaga have to break through with an Elite 8 appearance or more to earn the respect he deserves? I am curious if there is any sizeable contingent of Gonzaga fans that feel the program has not reached their ultimate potential during his coaching tenure?”

Mr. Jim Meehan: “I know Few and Williams have great respect for each other and each other’s programs. Few has a similar relationship with Rick Barnes at Texas. Few is highly regarded nationally and his name almost always surfaces when the top jobs open up, but he’s happy at Gonzaga and he’s been able to put together teams that compete consistently on a national level. Under Few, they’ve gone as far as the Sweet 16 and had a couple of chances to go farther (the Morrison-Batista team that lost to UCLA and last year’s club was capable but ran into North Carolina in the Sweet 16). With the program’s successful run over the last 11 years, there are high expectations every year and I’m sure there’s a segment that believes GU could have gone deeper in past tournaments.”