Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman: Vital for Gonzaga’s Success
To secure a spot in the WCC championship, Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman must effectively counter San Francisco’s multifaceted backcourt.
In their recent clash on Feb. 29 at the Chase Center, Hickman’s explosive performance, especially in the second half, coupled with Nembhard’s adept orchestration of the offense, propelled Gonzaga to an 86-68 victory over San Francisco. Nembhard’s leadership, marked by 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, complemented Hickman’s remarkable 22-point contribution. Both guards concluded the regular season with accolades, with Nembhard leading the league in assists and Hickman showcasing an impressive career-high scoring average of 14.0 points, along with a notable 41.0% three-point shooting rate.
However, the duo faces a formidable challenge from the Dons’ backcourt. Marcus Williams, an All-WCC first team member, boasts averages of 14.0 points and 3.8 assists per game, while Ryan Beasley, honored as the WCC Freshman of the Year, adds depth and dynamism off the bench with 8.1 points and 1.3 steals per game. San Francisco’s guards play a pivotal role in their team’s offensive prowess, contributing significantly to their status as the second-highest scoring team in the WCC.
Insight from Dan Dickau: Gonzaga’s Game Plan
Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau provides insights into the keys to victory for the Bulldogs against the Dons in the latest episode of Gonzaga Nation.