As Gonzaga University prepares to depart the West Coast Conference (WCC) for the Pac-12, the Bulldogs are set to make their final appearance at the WCC Tournament next week. The top-seeded Zags, boasting an impressive record of 28 wins and 3 losses, will kick off their tournament journey on March 9, 2026, at 18:00 local time against an opponent yet to be determined, likely Portland, San Francisco, or Oregon State. This tournament marks the end of a remarkable 39-year chapter for Gonzaga in the WCC, where they have established themselves as a dominant force.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1987, Gonzaga has participated in every WCC championship game since 1998, claiming an astonishing 21 titles during this period. Under the leadership of Mark Few, the Zags have amassed a remarkable all-time tournament record of 68 wins and 17 losses, with a stellar 54-6 mark during Few’s 27-year tenure.
Celebrating Gonzaga’s Tournament Heroes
Over the years, Gonzaga has seen numerous players rise to the occasion on the tournament stage, with 22 individuals earning the title of WCC Tournament MVP. Notably, three players have achieved this honor twice. Among them is Dan Dickau, a sharpshooting guard who dazzled during his two seasons at Gonzaga. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2001 and 2002, scoring a total of 133 points across six games, averaging 22.1 points per game. In the 2002 title match against Pepperdine, despite a slow start, Dickau finished with 29 points, ensuring a 96-90 victory.
Another standout is Ronny Turiaf, who played a pivotal role in the 2004 tournament. His clutch performance in the semifinals against Santa Clara, where he scored four crucial points in the final seconds, set the stage for a commanding 84-71 championship win over Saint Mary’s, where he tallied 29 points and 14 rebounds.
Adam Morrison, an All-American, showcased his scoring prowess during the 2005 and 2006 tournaments, earning MVP honors both years. He scored 55 points in the 2005 tournament, including a career-high 30 in the title game against Saint Mary’s, and followed with 47 points in his senior year, leading Gonzaga to a nail-biting overtime win against San Diego.
Furthermore, Kyle Wiltjer made his mark as a two-time MVP, averaging nearly a double-double during Gonzaga’s run to the 2015 championship. Wiltjer’s scoring ability was instrumental in securing victories, including a standout performance of 29 points against BYU in the semifinal the subsequent year.
In 2018, forward Killian Tillie captured the MVP award after an impressive tournament where he scored 72 points and shot an astounding 13 of 14 from beyond the arc. His contributions were pivotal in Gonzaga’s success in that tournament.
Memorable Moments and Notable Challenges
Over the years, Gonzaga has faced its fair share of challenges in the WCC Tournament, often requiring late-game heroics and clutch performances to advance. For instance, in the 2001 championship, Gonzaga surged ahead 13 points only to withstand a fierce comeback from Santa Clara, ultimately winning 80-77 thanks to Dickau’s clutch free-throw shooting.
The following year, Gonzaga faced Pepperdine in the championship after suffering their only WCC loss to the Waves earlier in the season. Despite a late-game surge from Pepperdine, Dickau’s steady hand helped secure a tight win, solidifying Gonzaga’s historical dominance in the tournament.
Gonzaga’s journey has also included moments of heartbreak. In the inaugural WCC Tournament in 1987, the Bulldogs, favored to win, suffered a surprising defeat against Pepperdine. The Waves, led by Craig Davis, triumphed 76-73, leaving Gonzaga fans disheartened.
The Zags faced further disappointment in 2012 when they lost to Saint Mary’s in the championship game, a match defined by standout performances from both teams. Matthew Dellavedova of Saint Mary’s scored crucial points, leading to a 78-74 overtime victory.
Throughout the years, Gonzaga has had to navigate various obstacles, including a challenging season in 2007, when they rebounded to win the championship without suspended star Josh Heytvelt. Similarly, in 2011, a three-game losing streak threatened their chances, but the team regrouped to win the WCC title, showcasing their resilience.
As Gonzaga prepares for one last tournament run in the WCC, the memories created over the past four decades will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans. The Bulldogs have not only shaped the landscape of college basketball but have also built a legacy that will carry on as they transition to the Pac-12. With their remarkable history, Gonzaga looks to make one final statement in the WCC before embarking on a new chapter.
