There have been two constants with Gonzaga basketball: One, the Zags make the NCAA tournament, to the tune of 17 straight trips. Two, about every 4-5 years, that streak has endured a close call.

So a history lesson seems in order with the current Zags residing in bubbleland. I chatted with Mike Hart about the 2011 team, David Pendergraft about the 2007 squad and recapped the 2003 crew that was on pins and needles during Selection Sunday. Hart and Pendergraft mentioned similar attributes that helped their respective teams reach their goals: Coming together at the right time, leadership, overcoming adversity and a fierce desire not to be the team that allowed the streak to end on their watch. 

Here's the article (FYI: I believe that picture of Gray is from the WCC title game when he took a shot above the eye that required four stitches)