Last season, Gonzaga spent four weeks and seven weeks at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 polls, where he finished in the final rankings. The only team ahead of the Bulldogs in the end was Kansas, who spent four weeks at No. 1 and spent the entire season in the top six before finishing at the top.
But the country’s two best teams never decided to settle it in court last season, as their chances of meeting in the final four were dashed when college basketball’s postseason COVID-19 was canceled due to the epidemic. . So maybe it’s just right that the No. 1 Bulldogs and No. 6 Jaya Hawks rocket mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Thursday will start the 2020-21 season against each other on Thursday.
The epidemic is still rampant and the rosters of both teams are looking a little different than last season, but the downside between the top-10 teams is that any college hoops are thanks to fans, especially in 2020. This is just the second meeting between Gonzaga and Kansas makes it even sweeter.
There was little concern about the game being played when a member of the Gonzaga traveling party tested positive for COVID-19. However, none of the players tested positive and the game was not allowed to be played. Here is a statement issued on Thursday by the organizers of the Fort Myers Tips Tournament:
Fort Myers Tip- of Funny The medical staff of the four participating organizations diligently collaborated to agree on COVID-19 testing procedures and protocols for the event. After testing all team travel parties on Wednesday, including 112 PCR tests, a positive result from the non-student-athlete was confirmed by the Gonzaga Travel Party. Event organizers activated its medical protocols and independently approached the Florida Department of Health to take contact tracing measures. At the conclusion of their investigation, two close, non-student-athlete Gonzaga contacts were identified. The three men are being separated in a hotel room under the supervision of their organization’s medical team. The medical staff of all the programs considered today’s games can be played according to the schedule.
Storylines
Kansas: Jaya kx lost three starters, including a pair of college led basketball’s best guard-big man Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuik. But Jayaksh X Naismith returns defensive player of the year Marcus Garrett and fellow athletic wing Ochai Ambaji, both of whom started in last year’s 28-3 team. After that, coach Bill will mix the self-experienced reserve group with some interesting newcomers as he enters Kansas in his 18th season. It will be particularly interesting to see how the five-star freshman shooting guard Bryce Thpson and / or junior college ledge transfer Tyson Grant-Foster can fill in as an efficient scorer to ease the offensive load of the Jayax.
Gonzaga: The Bulldogs averaged seven players between 9.8 and 17.5 points per game last season. Four of them have said goodbye, but there are three potential superstars returning. The trio of defender Joel Ayay, the versatile forward Corey Kisspert and the big man Drew Timm should be deadly. If they need any help, freshman guard Jalen Suggs enters as the 22-year-old coach with the highest rated recruitment. It is one of the top three 100 signies in Gonzaga in the 2020 class. Transfer Guards Andrew Nambard from Florida and Aaron Cook from Southern Illinois are also entering the picture after proving solid players in their previous stops. This overflow of talent is the reason why this Gonzaga team has the first program history in the AP Top 25 Precision poll.
Viewing information
- When: Thursday, Nov. 26:30:30 ET
- Where: Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida
- TV: Fox | Streaming: fuboTV (try for free)
Kansas Vs. Gonzaga forecast, pick
After the efforts of Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuik, Kansas is regaining its full identity as it was around an impressive pair from what it did last season. Jayakx has the skills to manage the task well and will compete for the Big 12 title. But it may take them a few games to find an aggressive rhythm. Gonzaga lost some great producers, but they have all the tools and talent to play the same efficient style that they held 31-2 last season. Bulldogs should be covered this time. Then we hope to match the NCAA Tournament again. Pick: Gonzaga-4
