Matt Bouldin is the Truth

The Zags have exceeded my expectations so far this year. The win over Texas last Saturday was very impressive. When this team is clicking they can beat anyone. Their style of play is also very exciting. Its so nice to see a Zag team that actually plays defense (I still hate our zone though).

Matt Bouldin, has been my favorite player to watch. His first game he went out and shot 5-5 from the floor, showed some remarkable passing skills, and solid rebounding. It will be great to follow him as he continues to develop.

Go Zags!!! Paul's Pre-season Analysis

Offense
The Zags start the season as a big "?" as the team currently lacks an identity having lost its top two scorers. Look for Senior guard Derek Raivio to take the lead and play more in the off-guard position early in games to increase his offensive production. Sophmore Jermey Pargo will likely share point guard duties with Raivio in what is sure to be a fast paced Run-n-Gun type offense. Expect to see more of an old school Zags style of play where there is no hesitation for a lot 3's to be put up.

If the Zags are to be successful Center Josh Heytvelt must be aggressive and establish a solid inside presence along with Senior Sean Mallon. Heytvelt will take over as the Zags new leading scorer, but not by much. Expect to see a much more balanced scoring attack with 4 or 5 guys in double figures nightly.

Defense
Defensively, this will be a more focused team than in previous years. With the teams better overall speed look for a lot of defensive pressure to create more points off turnovers. Junior Guard P-Mac will be the team's key defensive stopper along with a hopefully soon to be healthy Larry Gurganious. I hope to see this team play more man-to-man defense especially late in games, although, Coach Few has been overly committed to living and dying by zone. This has left the Zags especially open to 3-point shooting teams. A lot depends on Josh Heytvelt's ability to defend the post while staying out of foul trouble.

Overall
A few early season struggles are likely for this team as they come into their own. However, by mid-season expect the team to really turn some heads as they hit their stride. The Zags win the WCC tournament once again and get a 9 seed in the NCAA tournament. This team is a big surpirse in tourny because of their experience and balance. Makes the first Elite Eight run since 1999. As Heytvelt matures and Bouldin emerges as a key contributor, prospects for 2007 are higher than ever for the Zags.

Starting
PG - Pargo - 12pts, 4asts
SG - Raivio - 16pts, 3asts
SF - Pendo - 8pts, 9rbs
PF - Mallon - 12pts, 7rbs
C - Heytvelt - 18pts, 8rbs

6th Men - P-Mac/Bouldin (Couldn't pick one)

Team Stats
Pts - 82 pts
TO- 15

Record: 23-10 (11-3 WCC) (9-6 Non-Conference)

Other
First Team All-WCC - Raivio and Heytvelt
WCC Freshman of the Year - Matt Bouldin
WCC Defensive Player of the Year - P-Mac

Key Wins - Washington, Nevada, Memphis

Endless Summer 2006

Oh, how I don't want this summer to end.

Its been quite an amazing summer for me, filled with many great stories and memories. Bike trips in the San Juan Islands, Bacholer Parties in Tahoe, and my latest just returning from an INCREDIBLE trip in Costa Rica. This picture is taken from the beach in Costa Rica and was one of the most amazing sunsets I've ever seen. It just kept getting better with each moment.

TIWAA!

Israel Kamakawiwo

My favorite song right now is Somewhere Under the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Every time I listen to it I feel like I'm back on the beach in Maui.

A True Competitor

I saw this and had to post it. Its exactly what I love about watching Adam Morrison play. The ferocity, passion, and will to win that he has is incredible.

From the Detroit Free Press:

Nobody loathes losing anymore. Nobody gets downright sick at the notion of not playing anymore. There's a moment of disappointment and then it's on to the next diversion. But Morrison proves there remains a distinction between competitive drive and competitive obsession. And that's usually the difference between stars and champions.

Great Season Zags!

What a season. I couldn't be more proud of Gonzaga, the team, and its players. They played their hearts out. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

Tournament Time!

Its the best time of year once again. The NCAA Basketball Tourney begins today and I couldn't be more excited. I'm hoping Gonzaga will play with a chip on their shoulder this year and look like the scrappy, hungry team of old.

It will be very interesting to see how some of these potential match-ups work out. A potential Gonzaga/UCLA match-up would be great to see. Also, a second round possibility of UNC/Mich. St would be another fun one to watch.

Time to sit back and watch the Madness. Go Zags!!

Law Breaker Paul

The other day I was running to catch the bus and was stopped for jay walking. Absolutely, ridiculous. $46 fine and on top of that I missed my bus. Just one of those instances where you know everyone is looking at you and thinking, "Oh, that sucks."

I actually think its pretty funny, but pedestrians of downtown Seattle beware. They really do write tickets for that. It reminds me of a book I read by Gerry Spence a few years ago where he describes an instance where you are driving home late at night and stop at a stop light. In every direction there are no cars at all, but yet we still feel obligated to sit at the light because its what we are suppose to do and fear getting a ticket etc. Gerry Spence uses this example as a way of demonstrating the way rules can constrict rational thinking and behavior.

Great point, but I had a hard time explaining that to the officer when he was writing me a ticket...

Super Bowl was Decided by the Officals

It was very unfortunate to see the Seahawks lose the Super Bowl in what in my opinion was a game decided by the officals. Yes, the Steelers made the big plays and you have to give them credit. However, the whole flow of the game was changed by the calls the officals made. A game on that stage should be decided by the players. End of story.

Bainbridge Island

Last weekend my mom was up in Seattle for a yoga seminar and we took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. Really fun trip. Bainbridge Island is beautiful. We looked at the sail boats, which was fun. I definitely want to get into sailing more this summer. I've only sailed out on Flathead Lake with my parents, but I really would like to get out on the ocean some time.

Congratulations Ronny Turiaf!

Ronny Turiaf has re-signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers six months after under-going open heart surgery.

Quite an amazing accomplishment. The humbleness, class, and heart that he has shown throughout his career makes me proud to be a Zag. Best of luck in the NBA.