The Gonzaga Bulldogs have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, known for their high-powered offenses, elite recruiting classes, and consistent deep runs in the NCAA tournament. As the 2025-26 season approaches, Head Coach Mark Few has turned his attention to fortifying one of the most critical positions on the court—guard play. Even after securing the commitment of Arizona State transfer Adam Miller, Few and his staff remain focused on adding more depth to the guard rotation, recognizing the importance of this area for the success of the upcoming season.
Adam Miller, who spent the last few seasons with the Arizona State Sun Devils, is a valuable addition to Gonzaga’s roster. Miller is known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership on the floor. His experience in the Pac-12 will be invaluable as the Bulldogs look to replace some key contributors who are leaving the program, including a few backcourt players who were pivotal in past seasons. With Miller’s arrival, the Bulldogs immediately gain a player who can contribute both on and off the ball, giving Few more flexibility in how he sets up his rotations.
However, Mark Few’s pursuit of more guard depth indicates a recognition that one player—no matter how talented—may not be enough to sustain the level of excellence Gonzaga fans have come to expect. Guard play is integral to the Bulldogs’ fast-paced offensive system, and with the evolving dynamics of college basketball, the need for depth at this position is even more critical. The guard spot often requires players who are versatile, capable of running the offense, creating their own shot, and providing a defensive presence. The depth that Few is seeking would not only allow for fresher legs but would also give the team more strategic options as the season progresses.
In recent years, Gonzaga has had success with a strong backcourt. Players like Jalen Suggs, Nigel Williams-Goss, and Andrew Nembhard have been cornerstones for the Bulldogs, leading them to multiple high seeds in the NCAA tournament and helping push the team to a national championship game. However, with the departure of several key figures and the natural turnover that comes with college basketball, Few is keen on ensuring that his team remains competitive at all levels.
Adding more guard talent is also crucial in keeping up with the growing competition in the West Coast Conference (WCC) and nationally. Teams like Saint Mary’s, BYU, and others have developed stronger backcourt play in recent years, and as Gonzaga continues to be a top contender, they must maintain an advantage in this area. Depth at the guard position would allow the Bulldogs to match up better against these teams and provide the versatility necessary to adapt to different playing styles across the league and in the NCAA tournament.
Additionally, the guard-heavy approach is necessary given the nature of the current basketball landscape, which has seen the rise of dynamic, perimeter-oriented play. The increasing reliance on three-point shooting, pick-and-roll offense, and high-speed transitions requires a backcourt that can thrive in these environments. Even with Miller’s addition, Few likely recognizes that having multiple guards capable of playing different roles—whether as shooters, facilitators, or defenders—will give his team an edge in a season that is expected to be highly competitive.
In conclusion, while the addition of Adam Miller to the Gonzaga Bulldogs is a promising move for the 2025-26 season, Coach Mark Few is continuing to pursue more guard depth to ensure that the team has the versatility and stamina to compete at the highest level. As the season unfolds, fans can expect Gonzaga to remain one of the most formidable teams in college basketball, bolstered by a deep and dynamic backcourt that can take on any challenge thrown their way.
