Take last year: Gonzaga and the University of Washington were throwing jabs about the end of the annual GU/UW game that had become so big over the 10 years it showcased the teams. But GU won eight of them.
“You know, if we were ever in a situation where we lost seven of the last eight games, I’d probably look to get rid of that team,” Gonzaga’s head coach Mark Few said. “I don’t blame then at all.”
Ouch.
The rift was started between the two coaching staffs after Gonzaga leaked a report that UW assistant Cameron Dollar had made illegal contact with future-Zag Josh Heytvelt five years ago. UW was furious that the Zags wouldn’t confront them directly. Then, with both teams battling for state supremacy, had a number of other recruiting wars including Phil Nelson (who went to the Huskies) and Robert Sacre (now a Zag).
But that was then. And this is now.
The Washington State Cougars know how much a year can change things. After being the punching bag of the Pac-10 for so many years, the Cougs were turned around last season when they finished second in the Pac-10 regular season and ended the regular season ranked No. 11 in the nation (AP).
Meanwhile, the Huskies were relegated to “rebuilding” status as they finished No. 7 in the Pac-10.
Which brings us to the now. And you know what? I think the WSU/GU rivalry is better for college hoops now. Not only are the schools closer in location, but they’re also closer in talent level.
Case and point, last night’s 51-47 Cougar win over the Zags, pairing two Top-25 teams for the first time in their rivalry. And with the talent level the Zags continue to bring in, and with Tony Bennett at the helm for the Cougars, it doesn’t look like either school is going to be struggling soon.That’s why, while it’d be cool for the Zags and UW to renew their rivalry, the essential rivalry for the now is WSU and Gonzaga. Maybe next time college hoops will learn and will broadcast it on regular TV.
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