Gonzaga vs. USC Preview – The Slipper Still Fits

This game may not count towards the overall record but it’s a good way to gauge where each program is before the real deal. And it’s all done for a good cause as the proceeds from this charity exhibition in Palm Springs will help support Eisenhower Health’s growing Cardiovascular Institute, supporting their lifesaving work in the Coachella Valley. If you wish to watch, head over to the BigTenPlus.com and purchase the pay-per-view for $6.99. The action starts on Saturday, October 26th at 5 PM PT.

Musselman may be leading a new program in USC but his offensive style should be the same. Pace and space has always been his philosophy. He wants his teams to play fast and try to stay away from the half court offense. Musselman also has implemented a rule where his players only have half of a second to either dribble, pass, or shoot after catching the ball. The rock will be skipping around and be keeping the Gonzaga defenders on their toes for most of the night.

I’m excited to see what the starting lineup and rotation is going to look like for the Zags. I’m expecting Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Michael Ajayi, Ben Gregg, Graham Ike getting the nod with Battle in the sixth man slot. I also am picturing Few going deeper in his bench than he would normally would since this game doesn’t count. He’ll want to see what each of his guys can fully bring to the table in their first 5×5 opportunity when they’re not playing each other. This is the time to experiment a bit, throw Emmanuel Innocenti and Ismaila Diagne in the fire.

All signs point to Khalif Battle going off against his former Arkansas head coach. Musselman is used to Battle having huge offensive bursts for his team but this will be a first for it happening against him. Last season for the Razorbacks, Battle averaged 14.8 PPG on shooting splits of 40.6 FG%/35.3 3PT%/87.3 FT% in just 24.7 MPG. He scores in bunches and does it quickly.

Key Play to Watch For:

Kevin Patton Jr. (sophomore, guard/forward) – 9.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.3 BPG

The San Diego transfer is familiar with Gonzaga and the Zags are familiar with him after his breakout freshman season. In last season’s trip to the Kennel, Patton Jr. finished with 16 points on 7-10 FG/2-3 3PT to go along with five rebounds, two blocks and one steal in the 101-74 loss to Gonzaga.

At 6’8, he can guard multiple positions and has great defensive instincts. Patton Jr. uses his athleticism to lock up players out on the wing. It’ll be interesting to see how much his offensive game has developed over the offseason.

Musselman is known for utilizing the transfer portal as he snagged up 11 new faces (plus two freshman recruits) like Washington’s Wesley Yates and Northern Colorado’s Saint Thomas. No more Bronny James, Isaiah Collier, Boogie Ellis, Kobe Johnson and DJ Rodman in Inglewood. This is a completely different roster compared to last season for the Trojans.

Quite the opposite for the Zags who have eight key returnees from last season’s Sweet Sixteen squad. Gonzaga is an older, more experienced team. Few has five seniors and five juniors on his roster and that will pay dividends in the outcome of this exhibition.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho