After nearly a decade of "go-to" players leading the charge for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Zags are searching for that next guy.
Welcome, Jeremy Pargo.
The 6'2" guard from Chicago, who has an older brother in the NBA, needs to become that player. In reality, he's the only option.
The Zags have two seniors: David Pendergraft, who is a tremendous vocal leader, isn't the guy you want shooting in the clutch; and Abdullahi Kuso, who can't make a shot that is longer than five feet out.
That leaves juniors Pargo and "leader" Josh Heytvelt who was arrested and suspended last season for drug possession. Heytvelt, still recovering from an off-season injury, has not looked the same this season.
Meanwhile, Pargo kept the Bulldogs in the game Thursday in Ford Arena, hitting shot after shot against the Oklahoma Sooners in Oklahoma City. In fact, at one point Pargo had 12 points in a row for the Zags during a 12-5 run that gave Gonzaga the lead with a little over two minutes left.From a nasty crossover drive, to pulling up for three after grabbing a rebound, Pargo showed signs that he is going to be the next great Zag. However, he went cold once the game hit the two minute mark.
Pargo aired a deep three pointer, then was blocked as he tried to tie the game with a three pointer with five seconds left.
The 72-68 loss at the hands of the unranked Sooniers is one the Zags can learn from. When the tournament time comes around, the Zags will need for a player to step it up in the clutch and lead them to the second weekend--something Gonzaga has had little success of lately. Pargo will be that guy.
When he hits that shot, we can look back at Thursday's career high 28-point performance that was all-for-naught because of his inability to score under two minutes.
Then we can see how much he's grown into his new role.
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