The Gonzaga Bulldogs are gearing up for an exciting season opener, but this time, it's more than just a game!
Gonzaga vs. Northwest: A Season's Prelude
Gonzaga University's men's basketball team, the Bulldogs, are set to tip off their 2025-26 campaign with an exhibition game against Northwest University on Sunday, October 19, at 2 p.m. in the McCarthey Athletic Center. This friendly matchup is more than meets the eye, as it sets the tone for the Bulldogs' highly anticipated season.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Gonzaga, with a rich history of basketball excellence, is ranked 21st in the preseason Associated Press poll, marking their 25th consecutive appearance in the AP Poll and 16th straight year in the preseason rankings. They join an elite group of programs, including Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina, as the only ones to achieve this feat in the last 16 years. But is this ranking a fair reflection of their potential?
The Bulldogs have dominated their home exhibitions, boasting an average margin of victory of 44 points over the past 15 games. Last season, they cruised to a 109-52 win over Warner Pacific, with standout performances from Nolan Hickman (19 points), Graham Ike, and Braden Huff (combined 25 points). But this year, they face a different challenge.
Northwest University, a private Christian school in Kirkland, Washington, is a member of the NAIA and the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Their men's basketball team finished 5-23 overall last season, and they were picked eighth in their league's preseason poll this year. But don't let the numbers fool you—they could be a formidable opponent.
The Bulldogs, despite returning only 36% of their scoring and 34% of their rebounding from last season, have a deep roster. It includes three 1,000-point career scorers and two more nearing that milestone. Seven players have extensive experience, having played at least 65 games, and six of them averaged over 20 minutes per game. But will this experience be enough to secure a comfortable win?
Gonzaga's 2025-26 roster boasts some impressive talent, featuring the 2022-23 Mountain West Conference Preseason Player of the Year, the 2022-23 Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, and the 2023-24 Patriot League Player of the Year. Graham Ike, just 41 points shy of 2,000 career points, is a force to be reckoned with. Braden Huff, a starter in the last three games of the previous season, averaged 11 points on impressive shooting percentages. And Adam Miller, a top transfer from Arizona State, Louisiana State, and Illinois, adds depth to the team.
Northwest University, once the training ground for the Seattle Seahawks, has a rich history of its own. Their men's basketball team, the Eagles, will be led by senior Trent Williams and junior Ethan Martin, who made a team-high 39 threes last season. But can they soar against the mighty Bulldogs?
After this exhibition, Gonzaga will host Western Oregon for another friendly before diving into a challenging regular season. The Bulldogs will face off against some of the nation's top teams, including St. John's, Houston, Alabama, and Kentucky. But the question remains: Will they live up to their ranking, or is this season full of surprises?
The AP Poll rankings have placed Gonzaga in the top 10 for offensive efficiency, but their defensive ranking is a bit lower. Is this a cause for concern, or is it a motivator for improvement? And what about the KenPom rankings, which place them at No. 8 overall? Are these rankings a true reflection of the Bulldogs' potential?
As the season unfolds, the Bulldogs will face numerous challenges, including a tough non-conference schedule and the highly competitive Players Era Championship. But with their experience and talent, they are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Will they rise to the occasion, or will this season be a learning curve?
What do you think? Are the Bulldogs destined for greatness, or is this a season of growth? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
