At this point, it’s safe to say that Gonzaga doesn’t look to be the kind of Final Four threat that many people around the country thought they might be. Even with all of their inside talent, one area remains a weakness.
Guard play.
Touted point guard Josh Perkins has been particularly emblematic of the Zags’ issues in the backcourt this season. Against Gonzaga’s toughest competition, he’s averaging nearly four personal fouls and four turnovers per game–turning the ball over five or more times in three games, including the last two, and fouling out against Arizona and Washington.
His inability to take care of the ball or even stay in the game consistently has plagued a team that counted on him to ease the transition from a year ago, when Kevin Pangos was the steadying force in Spokane. Instead, Perkins has struggled mightily.
It’s not as if he’s been Gonzaga’s only issue on the perimeter. The trio of Kyle Draginis, Eric McClellan, and Silas Melson have been insanely inconsistent, possibly leading Perkins to feel like he has to force things more than he normally would to make up for the lack of help he’s getting.
Either way, it’s clear that the Zags can only go as far as their perimeter will take them and at the moment, that doesn’t look very far. Getting some more defensive stops (perimeter defense has been awful) will allow GU’s guards to get out in transition and make some confidence building plays.
Until then, we’re left hoping the frontcourt talent in Spokane isn’t wasted.
