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Villanova Wildcats’ Jay Wright Believes Mark Few’s Work With Gonzaga Bulldogs Is Worth Multiple NCAA Championships

Winning an NCAA championship is arguably the most difficult achievement for every college basketball team. The tournament brings out the most unexpected upsets and even the best teams struggle. The Gonzaga Bulldogs reached the final as the favorites, but failed to live up to expectations.

But despite their loss, they received a lot of plaudits for their campaign, the highest coming from Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright. During a recent podcast, Wright was asked about the Bulldogs 2020-21 campaign. And he had a very surprising answer for it.

“Unbelievable,” Wright said. “What Mark Few does at Gonzaga is actually more difficult to do than to win the national championship or two. Except we don’t get evaluated that way. It really is more difficult. Consistent excellence is the most difficult thing to do, and Mark has done that better than anybody in college basketball.”

Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few
Mar 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few kneels as he watches his team play the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

While that may be a controversial statement for some, it comes from a two-time NCAA tournament winning coach. In the last nine seasons, Mark Few has taken the Bulldogs to 30+ win seasons seven times.

Wright knows how tough it is to win that title, and despite that he feels what Few is doing is tougher. There is no greater compliment than that for his work at Gonzaga.

Can Mark Few take the Gonzaga Bulldogs to the title this time?

After an electrifying 31-0 run, the Bulldogs sadly lost the NCAA tournament final earlier this month. It marked their second loss in the Final since 2017. But that was still a great campaign. This time, the Bulldogs will not settle for anything less than a title.

The team has lost three of its best players in Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, and Joel Ayayi, who are leaving for the NBA. They lost an important rotational piece in Oumar Ballo, who left on a transfer. But they have already got some superb new commitments.

Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after Jalen Suggs game-winner in the 2021 March Madness
Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs (1) celebrate making the game winning shot against the UCLA Bruins in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Zags brought in the number one ranked prospect, Chet Holmgren, who is expected to a future star. They added another five star prospect in Hunter Sallins, making them a top contender already. They also have players like Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard on the team who will be the leaders this time.

After coming close multiple times in the last few seasons, a championship is on the horizon for Coach Few.

ALSO READ – ‘Great One-Two Punch’: Arizona Wildcats’ Tommy Lloyd Reminisces Partnership With Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Mark Few

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