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Gonzaga Basketball

Zags can’t get enough when it comes to competition

Gonzaga coach Mark Few lets loose a half-court shot at the end of practice as the Zags extend a season-long competition between players and staff. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
By Whitney Ogden whitneyo@spokesman.com(509) 481-1067

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Gonzaga’s competitiveness on the court doesn’t just extend to the opposing team. The Zags welcome some friendly competition amongst each other, too.

After each walk-through practice, the Zags take turns tossing up shots at the half-court line, and they make sure to keep track of who gets the most long shots throughout the season.

“Snacks (Zach Norvell) kind of holds that record,” junior forward Johnathan Williams said.

Actually, Silas Melson and Zach Collins hold the record, according Gonzaga’s student managers who keep tally of all the half-court shots this season. They’re currently tied in the lead with ten makes apiece. Norvell has nine, along with Williams, Josh Perkins and Rui Hachimura.

Gonzaga head coach Mark Few implemented the half-court competition decades ago. Even Few and the rest of the coaching staff participates in the longtime tradition.

Despite rumors suggesting Few steps over the half-court line to get an edge over the competition, the GU coach still hasn’t taken the lead over the rest of the coaches.

Few currently has 11 makes from half court. He sits behind John Jakus, the director of basketball operations, and assistant coaches Tommy Lloyd and Brian Michaelson, who all have 12 half-court shots this season.

The tradition will continue on Thursday at practice before the Zags take on West Virginia at 4:30 p.m.