Jim Meehan

For what essentially boils down to a scrimmage, dunk contest and 3-point shooting competition, Kraziness in the Kennel has produced a lengthy list of memorable moments, impressed recruits and provided a barometer on the health of Zags returning from injuries.

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 protocols, a full house is expected Saturday at 1 p.m. for the latest version of Kraziness of the Kennel. It’ll mark the first time the Kennel has been full since the Zags downed Saint Mary’s 86-76 on Feb. 29, 2020, on Senior Night.

Jalen Suggs has yet to play in a regular-season game, but he’s already receiving strong praise from general managers around the NBA.

Gonzaga’s showdown against Alabama at the Battle in Seattle will tip off at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4, GU announced Monday. The contest will be televised on ESPN2.

Gonzaga guard Dominick Harris is dealing with a right lower leg injury. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound sophomore posted a picture on Instagram with his right foot in a walking boot with the caption: “Minor setback for a major comeback, dats my favorite!”

Eastern Washington standout quarterback Eric Barriere did what he does.

Washington State volleyball players had Monday off, fittingly, after working overtime Sunday in a memorable victory over rival Washington. Coach Jen Greeny began playing volleyball in 1991 and coaching the sport in 2000. She’s never been part of a match like Sunday’s five-set thriller. Few have.

A healthy Perry could find playing time in a crowded frontcourt that includes player of the year candidate Drew Timme, top-rated 2021 recruit Chet Holmgren, Anton Watson and Ben Gregg.

Three takeaways from the first Circling Raven Championship last weekend:Players loved one of the Symetra Tour's newest additions. The level of play was impressive. And three, volunteers, spectators and sponsors are already making plans to return next August for the second Circling Raven Championship.

The final round of the first Circling Raven Championship developed into an entertaining shootout, sending spectators to their phones for the latest scoring updates Sunday on a crowded, ever-changing leaderboard. Meanwhile, eventual champion Peiyun Chien had no interest in peeking at a several on-course leaderboards, let alone her phone. The 30-year-old from Chinese Taipei was more interested in winning her third career Symetra Tour event.

Peiyun Chien’s hot start could have pivoted in the wrong direction when her tee shot on the par-5 10th found the hazard left of the fairway. Instead, she somehow made her sixth birthday. Chien holed a quick, downhill chip from about 60 feet for birdie en route to a 5-under 67 Saturday and a share of the lead after two rounds of the inaugural Circling Raven Championship.

Five-star recruit Jaden Bradley’s final five includes Gonzaga. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound point guard at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, told several media outlets he’s considering GU, Alabama, Arizona, Florida State and Kentucky.

Washington State has never been ranked higher in the Pac-12 preseason volleyball poll (fifth) or the AVCA preseason rankings (No. 18). The Cougars have three preseason All-Pac-12 selections, another program first. The underdog label WSU has worn for years doesn’t seem to fit as snugly after five consecutive NCAA tournaments and regular appearances in the national rankings.

Players preparing for the Circling Raven Championship are fine-tuning their swings on the range and putting strokes on the practice green. They’ll map out course strategy during practice rounds and in pro-ams leading into Friday’s first round. Behind the scenes, the Symetra Tour and Coeur d’Alene Tribe have devoted countless hours to logistics on everything is running as smooth as possible when the first tee shot is struck at 7 a.m. on the scenic course in Worley, Idaho.

Circling Raven Golf Club debuted in 2003 and its clever layout nestled among 620 scenic acres was an immediate hit with area golfers. This week, the course joins select company as site of a professional tour event with 132 of the best women’s golfers on the planet set to compete at the inaugural Circling Raven Championship.

Former Gonzaga standout Johnathan Williams has signed with Dolomiti Energia in Trento, the team announced.

Washington State University’s Max Sekulic is having a summer to remember. Sekulic won the Northwest Open, one of six PGA Pacific Northwest Section’s majors, closing with a 10-under 62 Wednesday at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla.

Former Gonzaga forward Filip Petrusev is joining Anadolu Efes on a one-year contract, the professional team in Istanbul, Turkey, announced.

Former Gonzaga forward Killian Tillie will stay with the Memphis Grizzlies after signing a two-way contract, the NBA team announced Thursday.

Gonzaga’s involvement with Phil Knight basketball tournaments is expected to resume in November, 2022. The Zags are expected to be in the 16-team field in the PK85, celebrating the Nike co-founder’s 85th birthday.

Jalen Suggs had a memorable debut Monday in the NBA Summer League, reminiscent of his first Gonzaga game last season.Suggs scored 24 points, including six of his team’s eight points in overtime as Orlando edged Golden State 91-89 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.