The two biggest basketball programs in the local area kick off their respective seasons against each other tomorrow in the McCarthey Athletic Center, which has proven to be a difficult building to play in for the EWU Eagles, who have yet to get a win in the new Kennel.
Gonzaga has dominated the series between these schools: They lead the all-time series 52-7. The last time the Eagles beat the Bulldogs was in 1990 — GU has won the last 22 matchups. The Zags handled Eastern last year 86-57.
Eastern Washington will be showcasing their new coaching staff, led by Jim Hayford. Hayford experienced great success at Division III Whitworth, where he compiled a 217-57 record over 10 seasons.
Hayford will now focus his attention on the struggling Eagles, who finished last season in fifth-place in the Big Sky Conference with a 10-20 record. EWU returns eight former letterwinners.
The Bulldogs return for Mark Few's 13th season as head coach. Few hasn't lost a season opener since the 2003-04 season.
Gonzaga will hope to have a hot start to the game so they can get their young players on the floor. To ensure such a start, the Zags will look to upperclassmen Marquise Carter, Robert Sacre and Elias Harris to set the tone on both ends of the floor. Carter ended last season on fire, averaging 14.5 points per game in the WCC Tournament, where he was MVP. He was also named WCC Newcomer of the Year.
Harris has been named to the Naismith Preseason Watch list. The Naismith award is given to the best college basketball player each season. Previous winners include Jimmer Fredette, Evan Turner and Blake Griffin.
This early test should prove to be a good showcase for Gonzaga to find out what they are going to get from their new players. The Bulldogs have six new players on their roster, and fans should know by gametime who the coaching staff has decided to redshirt.
Fans will also get an early view into Mark Few's thought process on how he will handle the point guard position this season. David Stockton started the exhibition contest against Carrol College, but many speculate that if Kevin Pangos continues to play at a high level, he could take over as the starter.
The Zags will be without promising swingman Guy Landri Edi, who the NCAA ruled to be ineligible for playing for a semi-professional team in France before coming to America to participate in collegiete athletics. The Athletic Department expected Landry Edi to be out for two games, but the NCAA decided he will sit out the first eight contests, which rules him out against crucial non-conference opponents Notre Dame and Michigan State.
The game against EWU tips off at 8 p.m. Doors open for fans 15 minutes after the women's game concludes.
The Zags will face another regional rival Monday, when the Washington State Cougars come to play in the Kennel. Tip off against Wazzu will be at 9 p.m.
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