Gonzaga's basketball team starts the season strong, ranked 21st in the AP poll, just as it finished last season. The Zags, led by the dynamic duo of Graham Ike and Braden Huff, received 387 points from the media panel, showcasing their potential for a successful year. But here's where it gets interesting: Purdue takes the top spot, snatching 35 of 61 first-place votes, while Houston, guided by former Washington State coach Kelvin Sampson, lands in second place with 16 first-place votes. Houston and Gonzaga had a memorable encounter last March, with Houston pulling off an 81-76 victory in the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars, though, fell short in the national championship game, losing to Florida. Florida, led by former San Francisco coach Todd Golden, takes the third spot, followed by UConn, St. John’s, Duke, Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, and Texas Tech. Kentucky, a formidable force, is one of four GU foes in the top 25, and they face the Zags on December 5th. The Zags also have challenging matches against Creighton, Alabama, and UCLA, adding to their already impressive schedule. Gonzaga's recent history with Kentucky is notable; they led by 16 points at halftime but ultimately lost in overtime. The Zags' non-conference opponents include Maryland, Kentucky, UCLA, Saint Mary’s, Oregon, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, with Arizona and Boise State also in the mix. The Big 12 conference shines with three teams in the top 10, matching the SEC and Big Ten. The Zags, ranked 8th by KenPom, face a tough season ahead, with Duke, Houston, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama, and Michigan State in the top seven spots. The question remains: Can Gonzaga rise to the challenge and make a strong case for a top-tier ranking?
