Can't Believe It's Already Basketball Season! - SWX Right Now-Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA

BLOG: Can't Believe It's Already Basketball Season!

What began as a frustrating morning of realizing the heater in my truck isn't working, turned into something more meaningful. I think. Can you believe it's already basketball season?

Sure, I know that college basketball always begins around the end of October. And yes, I know the NBA has already been in preseason for a while now. But this?

I think it really hit me when I walked into the office, took off my coat and gloves and saw a Gonzaga basketball yearbook on my keyboard. "Senior Style" is this year's theme. The preseason mag put out by IMG contains a little write-up on all of the players this year, including Przemek Karnowski, the young man all Zag fans want to get to know as soon as possible.

The title above Elias Harris' page is "NOW IS THE TIME". I agree.

Guy Landry Edi is happy at Gonzaga. That's good to know.

Kelly Olynyk is "COACH ON THE FLOOR" (hopefully he can get past the issues with Student Life first).

And, yes, David Stockton is "CARRYING ON THE FAMILY TRADITION", while Mike Hart is "FILLING A ROLE".

Who knew Gary Bell Jr. was an "ALL-AROUND WEAPON"?

Or that Sam Dower was a "BIG MAN WITH 'SPURT-ABILITY'"?

Hmmm. Kevin Pangos, now a sophomore, is "ON POINT", and redshirt freshman Kyle Draginis has "SOMETHING TO PROVE".

It was nice, I must say, to learn a little about Drew Barham, the junior transfer from Memphis. He chose the number 43 because he hopes to "shoot for three" often this season. That'll be nice.

And then there's Gerard Coleman, the junior transfer from Providence who won't be playing this year per NCAA rules. He wanted to go to a program where winning was a priority. Well done, young man. You found the right place.

Have you heard of Rem Bakamus? I must admit, that name snuck up on me. The walk-on freshman from Longview, Wash. says he is living the dream in Spokane - even if he is paying his way through school without a scholarship.  He says he watched David Stockton when he was a freshman and looked up to him because of the way he played. Just keep learning and you'll be fine, son.

And lastly, how about Przemek Karnowski? The 7-foot-1 freshman is a big man. His picture proves it. Assistant coach Tommy Lloyd says he is a quick learner, he has a soft touch, and can pass well. His goal in coming to the USA, he said, is to become a more effective player.

Good. That's just what the Zags need this year!

Yes, basketball season is upon us. The first opportunity to see the boys in action is this Saturday when they play Northwest Nazarene in exhibition play. The game, by the way, will be on both SWX and KHQ.

Merry, uh, Happy Basketball season!