A Look at Gonzaga’s Non-Conference Schedule: Part 5

The Gonzaga Bulldogs have officially locked in the rest of their nonconference schedule, and it’s shaping up to be their most grueling slate yet. Fans have a lot to look forward to, with a long-rumored high-stakes clash against Baylor on November 4 at Spokane Arena, followed by a December 21 matchup with Bucknell. Rest assured, each game will get its own very thorough write-up as we get closer to tipoff, but for the time being, it’s never too early to start looking forward to November.

These opponents could not be more different in terms of skill and experience, and both games will pose unique challenges for the Bulldogs, but one is bound to be a higher viewing priority for fans.

Baylor University – November 4 – Spokane Arena – Spokane, WA

Zag fans know the deal: Baylor’s guard play can be absolutely devastating. This year, they might have assembled their deadliest backcourt yet. While there are questions about their frontcourt depth and experience, the Bears have never been a team too concerned with dilly-dallying in the post. Rather, they thrive on fast breaks, long shots from the perimeter, and a relentless attack that leaves opponents gassed and dazed. Many fans are still haunted by the look on Corey Kispert’s face at the 10-minute mark of Gonzaga’s 2021 national championship showdown when he seemed to realize just how tough Baylor can be. Expect an absolutely relentless pace. For the last five years, there has not been a more exhausting team to play against than Baylor, and this year is shaping up to be no different.

Last season, Baylor finished 24-11, securing third place in the Big 12 and ranking 16th nationally, just behind Gonzaga. They were eventually knocked out in the tournament’s second round by Clemson, but they went down throwing haymakers and maintaining a punishing tempo.

With the departure of standout RayJ Dennis, Baylor had some big holes to fill in its backcourt. They could not have done better than Duke transfer Jeremy Roach. In his fifth and final year of eligibility after a stellar career with the Blue Devils, Roach is out to prove he belongs among the most elite guards in the nation, alongside names like Mark Sears (Alabama) and RJ Davis (UNC).

Baylor also added 6’7” wing Norchad Omier from Miami and five-star freshman VJ Edgecombe, the fourth-ranked recruit in the nation. In most way-too-early preseason rankings, Baylor comes in the top 5-10 range. Frankly, this may be too low.

Expect a brutal, high-octane battle where poise and stamina will be crucial. Gonzaga’s guards will need to do everything they can to contain Roach and Edgecombe. They may not get a tougher defensive assignment all season.

Bucknell University – December 21 – McCarthy Athletic Center – Spokane, WA

After Baylor, the Bulldogs will meet Bucknell in what should serve as a warm-up before heading to Los Angeles to face UCLA. Bucknell wrapped up last season at 14-19 and suffered some heavy losses, including a brutal 30-point defeat against Duke. The Bison finished tied for second in the Patriot League and are desperate for their first tournament appearance since 2018. They have all the pieces this year to make that happen.

Bucknell brings back a solid roster, ranking 12th in the nation for returning minutes. They lost their leading scorer, point guard Jack Forrest, but junior Noah Williamson—a true 7-footer—will be back to anchor the offense and defense. He averaged 12.3 points on nearly 50% shooting last year, and he’ll pose a serious challenge for Gonzaga’s frontcourt. Keeping Ike and Huff out of foul trouble will be critical.

Under head coach John Griffin III, now in his second year, Bucknell has found its rhythm. They’ve lined up a tough nonconference schedule for themselves featuring matchups against Kentucky, Maryland, and Syracuse, so they will have ample experience playing against some of the best teams in the nation by the time they face the Zags. Fans can expect a scrappy team that knows how to move the ball and play hard.

And don’t be surprised if some of Gonzaga’s bench players get a chance to shine. Could this be the game Jun Seok-Yeo finally drops 40 points? Only one way to find out.