Time runs out on careers of 3 Gonzaga seniors

  • By Jim Meehan and Jacob Thorpe The Spokesman-Review
  • Sunday, March 29, 2015 9:54pm
  • SportsSports

HOUSTON — Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski stopped Kevin Pangos in the handshake line for an extended verbal pat on the back.

“He was really nice about saying how he really valued my game and how he wishes we could have been in the Final Four, and I do, too,” said Pangos, after the point guard’s stellar four-year run at Gonzaga ended with a 66-52 loss to Duke on Sunday. “He was great about it and how this team deserved it.”

Time ran out on the Gonzaga careers of three seniors but teammates and coaches talked at length about the contributions of Pangos, Gary Bell Jr. and Byron Wesley to the program.

“It just sucks that I’m not going to be able to play with them again,” said junior Kyle Dranginis, who was in the same recruiting class as Pangos and Bell but redshirted. “For four years, basically living together, hanging out every day, it’s going to be weird me being the only one left. We made history with these guys and I’m just glad I was able to be part of their team.”

Bell matched his uniform number with five points and Pangos, who wears No. 4, did the same. Wesley had 10 points and five boards.

The Zags posted a school-record 22-game winning streak and won 35 games, three more than 2013 squad that was 32-3. Gonzaga’s Elite Eight run matched the 1999 team.

“This is going to hurt for a while but to be at the top of the food chain as far as Gonzaga teams, with all the great teams that have been here, is really something special,” Wesley said. “I just want to say how proud I am of my teammates and coaches for fighting all year.”

Added Bell: “It’s meant everything. We made it to an Elite Eight and that is something you dream of, to play on this stage. You dream of that stuff growing up.”

Pangos and Bell, who missed seven games due to injury, finished their four seasons with a 122-20 record.

“You’re not going to get higher character guys, you’re not going to get better Zags, you’re not going to get better teammates,” coach Mark Few said. “And their mark basketball-wise at Gonzaga, the most career wins, advancing within minutes of a Final Four, so they’re right there with the greatest that have ever played. No question they’re probably the greatest backcourt.”

Bright future

The Zags should have another quality roster next season, presuming three talented bigs return. Kyle Wiltjer, who led the team in scoring, center Przemek Karnowski and freshman forward Domantas Sabonis formed one of the nation’s top frontcourts.

“I’ve got another year of eligibility so that’s my plan right now (to return),” Wiltjer said.

Sabonis is rated on several draft boards as a late first-round draft pick.

Duke limits turnovers

Even though Duke wasn’t able to match GU’s success inside, the Blue Devils made up for it by getting a shot on nearly every possession. Freshman point guard Tyus Jones was a steadying presence with 15 points and six assists and, most importantly, zero turnovers despite playing all 40 minutes.

The Blue Devils turned it over three times, 10 less than the Zags, which made up for the fact that the Bulldogs made 20 of 40 two-pointers while Duke finished 13 of 37.

Matt Jones steps up

After a quiet freshman season in which he averaged less than two points per game, Duke guard Matt Jones followed Russell Wilson’s lead, writing “Why not me?” on his sneakers.

Jones, one-and-done star Jabari Parker’s roommate last year, worked his way into the starting rotation toward the end of his sophomore season. And then he shot the Blue Devils into the Final Four.

The curse of NRG Stadium, which stifled shooters all weekend, didn’t affect Jones, who made 4 of 7 attempts from behind the arc and tied for the team lead with 16 points.

His outside shooting made it difficult for the Bulldogs to pack the paint on defense. That could have knocked GU out early if Karnowski and Sabonis hadn’t been able to handle leading-scorer Jahlil Okafor one-on-one.

“Initially we went in, we wanted to double Okafor, just trying to keep Przemek out of foul trouble early,” Few said. “They hit some quick 3s on that, we went back to guarding him one-on-one. But gave up a couple corner 3s to Matt Jones that we never should ever give up.”

Wiltjer, Sabonis honored

Wiltjer and Sabonis were selected to the South Region All-Tournament team.

They were joined by Duke’s Matt Jones, Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones, the tournament’s most outstanding player.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.