Zags Basketball Insiders

...in what could be the last podcast of the season, barring an emergency pod call as these next few weeks play out....Spokesman-Review sportswriter Jim Meehan and Richard Fox, television analyst and former Gonzaga player, go over the week's events in Gonzaga men's basketball on this week's Zag Basketball Insiders podcast! Sponsored by The Spokesman-Review.

Spokesman-Review sportswriter Jim Meehan and Richard Fox, television analyst and former Gonzaga player, go over the week's events in Gonzaga men's basketball on this week's Zag Basketball Insiders podcast, sponsored by The Spokesman-Review.

Spokesman-Review sportswriter Jim Meehan and Richard Fox, television analyst and former Gonzaga player, go over the week's events in Gonzaga men's basketball on this week's Zag Basketball Insiders podcast, sponsored by The Spokesman-Review.

Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball reporter Jim Meehan and Richard Fox, former player and TV commentator on Zags TV broadcasts in Spokane pore over the results of recent week in Gonzaga basketball, two quality wins improving the team's outlook for the coming WCC conference tournament and predictions for March Madness. 

Insights from Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball

Sit in on a conversation between Spokesman Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox - as the Zags get ready for Senior Week,  the WSU game and St. Mary's.

Insights from Spokesman Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox - as the team prepares for the San Francisco game on Thursday, and Pepperdine this Saturday.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zag alum/TV broadcaster Richard Fox discuss all things Zags... spending a lot of time trying to figure out what is going on with the team as of late, focusing on the inconsistency in player performance and the need for a winning mindset. Also of note was the effectiveness of using a zone defense in upcoming games against Loyola Marymount and Pacific.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag and TV Sportscaster, Richard Fox talk about all things GU basketball and how the team is finding their way ----While Gonzaga dropped out of the AP poll last week but improved from 19 to 16 in the NET rankings , despite only playing one game against a low-ranked opponent. The team had a challenging week with tough practices and player meetings to address recent losses. In GU's game against Portland, Gonzaga made lineup changes, starting Emmanuel Innocenti and Braden Huff, which resulted in a 43-point win. Upcoming games against Oregon State and St. Mary's, which will be important for Gonzaga's rankings and conference standing.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball.The team's recent defensive struggles and the need for improvement in execution particularly late in the game has prompted a drop in the polls/ While there are more opportunities in the schedule to improve the overall record - definitely looking at what happens after this week of practice on game day against Portland Saturday 1/25. 

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball. The GU Bulldogs have x2 in the win column over San Diego and Washington State. Gonzaga was ranked 18th in the AP Poll and had moved up to 10th in the NET rankings. Fox and Meehan also discussed the flu that was affecting the team, with several players missing games due to illness.Overcoming the challenges, the team managed to win against San Diego, with Ben Gregg having one of his best games of the year. In the game against Washington State, Nolan Hickman stepped up when Ryan Nemhard went to the bench with foul trouble in the first half. Hickman ran the point guard position effectively, controlling the offense without many turnovers.Despite giving up size to Washington State's players, Gonzaga defended well against their interior scoring threats. After trailing early, Gonzaga took control in the second half behind efficient scoring from Hickman and adjustments to exploit mismatches on the offensive end. Upcoming games against Oregon State and Santa Clara. Jim noted that Oregon State has a strong record and a similar shooting percentage to Gonzaga

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball...4 games in 8 days, winning three, but losing to UCLA which hurt.Upcoming games with San Diego, they just need to take care of business and get to the Spokane showdown witht WSU which promises to split the city.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball...and the team losing again as they head into Malibu against Pepperdine

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball...and the team losing consecutive games for the first time since 2018-19

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and former Zag/TV Sportscaster Richard Fox talk about all things GU men's basketball...what's going on in overtime, missed shots and preview the upcoming game!

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Alum/Zag TV commentator Richard Fox talk Zags!

https://www.spokesman.com/sports/team/gonzaga-basketball/

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Alum/Zag TV commentator Richard Fox talk Zags!

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Alum/Zag TV commentator Richard Fox recap of the Gonzaga v Arizona State game ( 88-80 victory) and make predictions for the season as the Zags take on the University of Lowell River Hawks.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Alum/Zag TV commentator Richard Fox discuss the Baylor opening game and predictions for the upcoming season.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zag alum/tv commentator Richard Fox report on howGU Bulldogs know how to dance - you can't fake your way into a Sweet Sixteen.  Zags are facing Perdue - both guys picked them to get this far, but the 21 point wins on the way were very impressive.Recap of McNeese State game - McNeese tried to shut down the 3 pointers, which opened up inside game, but the Zags were always a step ahead.  When the McNeese pressure had no impact, they had no plan B to try and take GU down. Fox breaking down the stats confirmed that the Zags did an excellent job executing the scouting plans and were prepared to play on both ends.Kansas game was so high level on both ends throughout the game - because as Meehan tweeted "are you not entertained?"  The Jayhawks were higher ranked with a few pros and all Americans, the Zags pulled away in the 2nd half.  Zags shot 67% and Jayhawks shot 28% in the second half and the Zags were great at keeping the ball out of Dickinson's hands. GU's freshman did great with solid play.Purdue preview - the way GU is playing right now is completely different then the last time they met. However, job one this time around is to try and shut down 7'4"  Zach Edey...a bad night for him is a double double bc he's gonna score, but attention to the rest of the Purdue team needs to be paid.The guys are predicting a win. Not a blow out game, and no one is saying it'll be easy, but the guys are calling for a W. 

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Alum/Zag TV commentator Richard Fox discuss the WCC finale and Selection Sunday...with a special shout out to The Red Iguana in Salt Lake City....Meehan's hoping there's a table ready for him.WCC recap - GU went in 2nd seed, took San Francisco but St Mary's had GU's number this time around. Kept the Zags to low score, Gaels executed at a higher level and deservedly came out on top.Talking about the NCAA brackets - with the South Coast Conference being a notch below the WCC, it doesn't make GU's Thursday game against McNeese any less. Promises to be a game. The guys break down the starting lineups on both teams that play their starters long. If GU wins, they face Kansas or Stanford.Is this GU team heading into the Sweet Sixteen? The guys expect it! We'll be talking to you next week.

Listen in as The Spokesman-Review's JIm Meehan and Zag Alum/TV Broadcaster Richard Fox give pregame prognostications for today's match up!Momentum for GU looked different wrapping out the regular season. With the breaks between the end of the season and the WCC and then the NCAA first round...sustaining their 8 game streak, and having a successful games this week in LV, could really put them in good standing for the NCAA brackets.Debating the picks for WCC select 10 player 'award team' for the season - GU got overlooked on the newcomer, defensive player and MVP. Hard to believe that Anton Watson will be graduating from the GU program without the Defensive player of the year. Anticipating tonight's game against San Francisco....as Coach Mark Few says "It's hard to beat a good time three times."Santa Clara vs St Mary's is also going to be a great semi game tonight....Gaels are favored. How many of the guys' predictions worked out since Episode one of this season? Where will this team land in the NCAAs this year - are they an Elite 8 team? Tune in to hear what the guys think.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zags TV Analyst/Bulldog Alum Richard Fox share their prognostications on where the GU Team has ended up this season (latest poll numbers have Gonzaga listed behind Washington State at 19!) Zags assignment this week will be to rest before hitting the floor against teams they've been already...Meehan and Fox go over the highlights of GU's wins last week. Best player int eh WCC conference this weekend was by far Graham Ike. WCC award predictions have him the lead for WCC player of the year as well.The guys debate their choices for all the WCC honors - player of the year, defensive player of the year, coach of the year, newcomer of the year...if there were WCC podcaster predictors of the year, it'd be this pair.Don't miss next week as the guys recap their calls in Episode one from this season!

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zag alum/tv commentator Richard Fox take a look at what all the rankings mean right now to the Zags...with x2 Quad One games this week that can help their WCC case. Past review of the "businesslike" Portland game that allowed the Bulldogs to prepare for Saturday night's game agains Santa Clara and their 'bigs.' All the Zags have moved through the season and grown, culminating in that game. It was such a special senior night for Anton Watson. Preview of the next x2 games against San Francisco and St Mary's with GU playing their best ball of the season.

Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zags Bulldog alum and tv commentator Richard Fox discuss how GU makes up a little ground each week in the brackets...they digest and discuss a ton of stats as the Bulldogs played with better teams.Looking ahead to Portland - pieces aren't too bad as they are on their home court, but they may not be able to defend Gonzaga if the Bulldogs hit their outside shots. Santa Clara is Saturday night back at the Kennell - last time they met, GU lost in the end. Zags strength inside can help when the Broncos come to town.Also of note at the Kennell is Anton Watson's senior night this week. Local hero, Swiss Army knife of a Zag, its so rare for a player in today's college basketball era to be a winner for the program over his entire career at Gonzaga.

Insiders Jim Meehan and RIchard Fox --- give you all the latest inside info...Zags beat the Quad 1 barrier this past week in Kentucky! They have gained some ground and its an uphill climb to be an 'at large' selection to dance in the tournament. Net rankings moved them up a few to a solid 22 - AP Rankings they haven't hit the top 25 yet. One game at a time.Everyone's solid play in Kentucky showed in the win - everyone who stepped on the floor showed VALUE...and everyone had a moment

Listen in to The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Zags alum/tv analyst Richard Fox conversation about the Gonzaga University Men's Basketball Team....GU played extremely well against LMU, then ended with a bad scene with St Mary's on Saturday night. Zags fell to 25th...while the loss didn't impact their computer metrics, the brackets were updated and there were no Zags to be found. IT makes the "at large" path extremely difficult with no Quad 1 wins.The week that was - domination against LMU which took both Jim and Richard by surprise. When you get rolled as badly as LMU did...in Division I, coaches shouldnt worry about effort, but that was what was lacking in that game. Both Zag Insiders were tuned out with 8 minutes left in the game....But that St Mary's game...GU lost their way on both ends of the floor in the second half. That's not even counting the referee reviews...which did not cost GU the game. St Mary's had an improved game with solid match ups. Saturday overall was a great day for collegiate basketball.Looking ahead - how will GU rebound after the St Mary's gut punch?

Sportswriter Jim Meehan and Zag alum/TV Broadcaster Richard Fox talk about the week that was in Gonzage University Bulldogs men's basketball on their weekly broadcast, brought to you by The Spokesman-Review!Foul trouble was the theme of the weekend. Gonzaga University's dominance upfront was the key in the win against the San Francisco Dons. With 19 free throw attempts in the last few minutes... and those misses, combined to be a problem with the Zags missing their their shots offensively and made the game closer than it needed to be. Pacific University led by one at halftime...and just like last year, their undersized lineup hurt GU. Pacific got in the zone and were shooting the ball better, and the Zags weren't really hitting until the Zag 3 pointer dam burst which then changed how that game turned out. All five starter were in double digits. PREVIEW of this week's gamesLMU and the returning Zags may have some bad memories of their game last year and the streaks that ended. And then with St Mary's around the corner, it will be an interesting game as GU and St Mary's play completely different styles. St Mary's loves to slow the game down, guard the ball and the Zags want to drive and score. St Mary's uses their bench, they have a rotation and Gonzaga sticks with their starting five. It's really a must win situation for the Zags if they have any designs on winning or even tying for a league title.

Sportswriter Jim Meehan and former Zag player and TV broadcaster Richard Fox go over the week in Gonzaga University Bulldogs men's basketball on their weekly podcast, brought to you by The Spokesman-Review.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and GU Zag Alum/TV analyst Richard For talk about what is happening to the Zag Basketball program - ? The sky isn't falling, but it's definitely cloudy. The changes of having the first round of NCCA games here in Spokane may be gone. Santa Clara dominated the Zags on the glass, and by the time the Zags were back in it, it was too late. Full analysis of Santa Clara game. Minutes issue affecting team. Upcoming games in California: Pepperdine, on their home floor with a double win, the caliber players - historically haven't been able to win against GU. San Diego - well, they are very young, but should be a game.

BIg week - undefeated!With Pepperdine - defense was great. With San Diego State - offense was on it.Fox nails all the statistics non conference vs the conference schedule GU is in and could not have come at a better time - a great "opening weekend" for the Zags. Meehan concurs that the games ran so smoothly.Talk about the role off the bench of Ben Gregg with an immediate difference, and he is always prepared. Fox noted that he's a very emotional player on team that's generally stoic. Recap of the Reunion - check for it The Spokesman-Review's youtube page!Looking forward to next game - Santa Clara, with a tremendous opportunity to take on GU on their home court. Zags 3 point shot law of averages is beginning to even out as the team continues to take them when they are open.

Gonzaga has dropped 11 spots in the polls...what is going on? With the Bulldogs not being able to go a week without a loss, this group needs to be buttoned up with no room for errors in the next few weeks.Recap of the San Diego State game. When the turnover bug hits the Zags, it seems to really hit them. San Diego State is not the team you want to do that with. The lack of bench depth is evident when you look at the player time of their starters.Fast break points with turnovers - the energy that is needed to get back in the game when the team shooting percentage is down - is insurmountable when under pressure. Discussion of guard play and how Ike is coming along, how his development will impact the potential in upcoming weeks.Thursday - the Zags playing Pepperdine in the Spokane Arena for a fundraiser for local cancer research...with the students still gone, you get a different fan base at the Arena, and raise money for local cancer research. Friday night - Northwest Passages Special Event with REUNION of first Elite 8 team, and teams surrounding that run. San Diego game on Saturday night in the Kenn

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zags TV Analyst Richard Fox discuss the Zag team returning this week on Friday.Jackson State game recap waaaay back but for the most part, it was business as usual with GU handling the game as expected. The shot quality is good, but the threes are not falling. Fox's New Year's resolution for the team is that GU starts knocking down threes.San Diego State is the last on the 2023 schedule and this team always good defensively, always physical and while they don't have the marquee wins- like GU - this is going to be a headline grabbing game. Both teams are going to be highly motivated to win this one.Discussion continues on league invitations to PAC12/Big12/MountainWest/WCC...adding in the NIL budget is also a key component with the nature of college athletics today.

JIm Meehan and Richard Fox GU drops in the rankings as the team searches for a marquee win, which is eluding them. Opportunities are dwindling to play against teams that count. This team is going through growing pains, but the hope is they are improving and gaining confidence as they move forward heading towards the Kentucky game on the horizon. Last week - the good: SMU literally the last ranking team..Zags beat the Delta devils, but the bad: 3 point struggles continued...and the UConn game...well, the Huskies are elite. They are a different team from last year's Elite 8, but they can beat you on all sides of the court. UConn is just a better team. They proved that. Coach Few even said the team reminded him of his GU 2017 Zags. UConn has it all figured out and they are going to be a whole lot better when they get to March. Meehan and Fox analyze the roster choices that GU has and how all the pieces are going to get put together. Upcoming home games...the last three weren't that tough, idea of getting better under stress, these next games are hoped to be more competitive. Further discussion on GU players' skills and the opportunities they need to take because this team is better than how they are performing.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan gets together with Zags TV analyst Richard Fox and talk over what happened last week. Bottom line - GU needs to trust their offense. The loss on Saturday night to UW was their 2nd worst shooting game so far and the first game they were out rebounded. This week's match ups wil be interesting to see -

Jim Meehan and Richard Fox start off by giving a quick look over Tommy Lloyd's AZ team with an impressive start...and talk about the 1st net/evaluation rankings and standings. Meehan & Fox agree - its a good barometer but it's really too early to tell how everything is going to shake out, what with GU ranked at 31, WA State at 21...eye opener of the ranking being St. Mary's at 155 with their rocky start.Overview of Cal State Bakersfield game and the USC analysis.Looking ahead to this week's Arkansas preview and UW game.

The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Gonzaga University alum/broadcaster Richard Fox recap the Hawaii trip/Maui Invitational - and adjustments that need to be made in the upcoming games for the GU Men's Basketball team.The Purdue game was not out of reach. The stat sheet was really even for both teams, and the difference really came down to shot quality. GU showed they could play with anybody.The Zags shot down the Orange offense in their follow up game - happening not even 16 hours after the final buzzer from the Purdue loss - using a bigger line up, the Zags dominated the boards. While the game was not stress free, GU was the better team for 40 minutes. The game also was the launch of the Anton Watson awakening.... UCLA game showed what the GU team can do with Watson's overall influence leading the charge. While the ref whistles are still ringing in Meehan's ears, Fox states that if Watson can maintain the aggressiveness and efficiency with his shot selection, Anton Watson has the potential to be GU's leading scorer by the end of the year.In what to look for GU upcoming - Meehan noted the displays of Coach Mark Few from the sidelines as turnovers mounted was highly entertaining. Fox also emphasized GU has to take care of the ball - with guards having an almost even number of assists and turnovers, that has to change. Also noted was how unusual it is to have the GU defense be ahead of the offense this early in the season. That needs to even out as well. Quick looks at upcoming match ups with the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners and USC in LV..the opportunity for GU to go deeper in the bench and tighten things up.

Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and Zag analyst Richard Fox recap Ohio game and get into the details of Maui Invitational - moved to Honolulu this year - and the fact this selection of teams is really an early Elite 8 situation.

Recap of the highlights of last week's Yale game. Meehan admits that Fox was right about a few things. Overview of strategy going forward, looking ahead to this week's game, brief insight on Maui tournament and contemplating whether a move to Big12 would work for GU.

Sportswriter Jim Meehan and former Zag and TV sportscaster Richard Fox preview 2023-2024 Gonzaga Bulldog mens basketball team line up.Taped on Monday, November 6, 2023. Presented by The Spokesman-Review

Sportswriter Jim Meehan and former Zag and TV sportscaster wrap up March Madness, the Gonzaga men's basketball team and the 2022-2023 college basketball season after the Zags beat UCLA then fell to the University of Connecticut Huskies over the previous weekend. Taped on Monday, March 27, 2023. Presented by The Spokesman-Review

Jim Meehan and Richard Fox dissect the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament and the Gonzaga men's basketball team's success against Grand Canyon and the always tough TCU.

Sportswriter Jim Meehan, talking with former Zag player and TV commentator Richard Fox, called March Madness the top holiday on the calendar, with apologies to Christmas, in the 3/13/2023 edition of the Zags Insider podcast this week.

Spokesman-Review sportswriter Jim Meehan and TV commentator and former Zag Richard Fox break down the Gonzaga Bulldogs' most recent game against Chicago State and the outlook for Zags in the West Coast Conference tournament happening this week in Las Vegas.

Ranking update - Quick recap of San Diego win 97 -72 and probably would have scored 100 if the game was tighter. GU played so quickly, USD couldn't keep up either defensively or offensively and didn't get anything easy. Main event - Saturday night ESPN GAME DAY - when you have a personal connection to the university it's very special, and a very big deal. Fox couldn't help thinking about recruits...Meehan asked around and there weren't any around this time as it isn't the easiest time to get away for the students GU recruits. The environment, the Volker, all the selling points were highlighted and into people's homes that set the table for awesome college basketball. GU led and stopped Aiden Mahaney for 32 minutes of the game, which led to the victory. The early cushion GU built, along with the dominance of Timme & Watson it was easier to control the game across the board. All along, the team has known it takes more than Timme, and the GU line up has maneuvered and shifted to answer that call. One never knows who is going to step up to join Watson, Strawther and Timme...but someone always does.Senior night game is this week (Wed, March 1) and musing over the lineup that has the "Covid option" for some players to return. Anton Watson, Drew Timme...they are all 4 year seniors. The crowd isn't to be near the environment of St Mary's (against Chicago state) but the influence of these seniors needs to be appreciated. While there are so many candidates for the GU "Mount Rushmore" of players, Drew Timme is definitely a strong contender in the Mark Few era.Brief overview of Chicago State, onto the bracket seeds and prognostications on where teams are going to land, and WCC award category predictions.Player of the Year: Drew TimmeDefensive Player of the Year: Meehan likes how Anton Watson looks, but thinks it'll be Logan Johnson ....Fox picks Kyle Bowen.Coach of the Year: Randy Bennett at St Mary's. Fox makes case for Few, with how GU has consistently lost players to NBA and still makes it workNewcomer of the Year: Aiden Mahaney from St Marys or Brandon Podziemski from Santa Clara

Zags Insiders The Spokesman Review's Jim Meehan and commentator Gonzaga alum Richard Fox survived their California trip covering the Bulldogs!

Zag Insiders The Spokesman Review's Jim Meehan and commentator Gonzaga alum Richard Fox recap the week that was...explaining the standings and net rankings take into account in deciding the NCAA #ncluding1 seed, opinions on the Super Bowl game versus ads, and strategizing on upcoming LMU and Pepperdine games while appealing to the deadline gods with 8 o'clock tip times.

Our Zags Basketball Insiders -- The Spokesman-Review's Jim Meehan and TV analyst and former Gonzaga center Richard Fox -- look back at Thursday's impressive victory over Santa Clara, as well as the overtime loss at Saint Mary's. They break down the final minutes of regulation and overtime, when guard Aidan Mahaney willed the Gaels to victory with otherworldly buckets and passes. Meehan and Fox also talk about more rumors of Gonzaga to the Big 12 and other possible realignment scenarios. They close with a look ahead to the week's games, which include San Francisco on Thursday and BYU on Saturday. It marks the Cougars' final visit to the Kennel as a member of the WCC.

Jim Meehan and Richard Fox look back at Julian Strawther's 40-point performance in Portland, then look ahead to Thursday's matchup against Santa Clara at home and Saturday's big showdown against No. 18 Saint Mary's in Moraga,Calif.

In the first episode of the 2022-23 Gonzaga basketball season, Jim Meehan and Richard Fox analyze what's gone right, what's gone wrong and the upcoming challenges facing Gonzaga in the WCC.