The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country over the last two decades. Since 1999, they have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 19 times, and have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen or beyond in all but three of those appearances. But the one milestone they have yet to reach is the Final Four. So, has Gonzaga ever made the Final Four?
Gonzaga’s Best Runs to the Elite Eight
Since their inaugural season in 1989, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have steadily ascended the ranks of college basketball. They have been to the NCAA Tournament 19 times, and have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen or beyond in all but three of those appearances.
The Bulldogs first made it to the Elite Eight in 1999, when they were led by future NBA All-Star Richie Frahm. Despite Frahm’s heroics, Gonzaga fell to eventual national champion UConn in the regional final.
The Bulldogs returned to the Elite Eight in 2001, this time led by All-American Casey Calvary. Gonzaga was a missed three-pointer away from upsetting eventual-champion Duke in the regional final, but ultimately fell short in a thrilling contest.
Gonzaga’s best chance to make the Final Four came in 2017, when they were led by future NBA star Nigel Williams-Goss. The Bulldogs breezed through the tournament to the Elite Eight, where they faced off against South Carolina. Gonzaga looked poised to finally break through to the Final Four, but a late Gamecock rally spoiled their hopes, and the Bulldogs fell 77-73.
Gonzaga’s Streak of NCAA Tournament Appearances
Gonzaga’s streak of NCAA Tournament appearances is impressive, but they have yet to make the Final Four in any of those trips. In fact, their best finish since 2017 has been a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2018.
The Bulldogs were a popular pick to make the Final Four in 2020, as they were ranked #1 in the country entering the tournament. They breezed through their first two games, but were upset by the #8 seed in the Sweet Sixteen, ending their hopes of a Final Four appearance.
Gonzaga’s Chances of Making the Final Four in 2021
Gonzaga is once again a popular pick to make the Final Four in 2021. The Bulldogs have been ranked #1 in the country for most of the season, and have only suffered one loss.
They have the personnel to make a deep run in the tournament, as they have four players who have been named to the All-America team. Their frontcourt of Drew Timme, Corey Kispert, and Jalen Suggs is arguably the best in the country, and they are led by an experienced backcourt of Joel Ayayi and Andrew Nembhard.
Conclusion
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country over the last two decades, but they have yet to make the Final Four. They have come close a few times, most recently in 2017, but have yet to break through and reach the pinnacle of college basketball. They are once again a popular pick to make the Final Four in 2021, but only time will tell if they can finally make it over the hump.