Free Ira Brown! - The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast (general)
Three alumni/superfans, Marty, Chris and Adam discuss Gonzaga Basketball with previews, recaps and game analysis, all presented with good humour (spelled the English way because we're fancy).

 

Yes, this one stings. But fear not, dear FIBbers. Despite the pain, despite the agony, despite that sting, the Free Ira Brown crew is here to close out this roller-coaster season. In our latest episode (Season 2, Ep 24), our heroes go over the Sweet 16 loss to Syracuse from front to back, tipoff to final buzzer. What went right (Wiltjer, Sabonis), what went wrong (turnovers, defensive rebounding), what made everyone wring their hands (McClellan, those last six and a half minutes).

Those stories, plus we take a look back on the season as a whole. Do we qualify this season as  a success? Where does this team rank among our personal favorites? (Spoiler alert: pretty damn high.) Is it any comfort that Syracuse is in the Final 4? (We’ll give you one guess…)

All that and more in the latest edition of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us, won’t you? Don’t leave us alone in a time like this.

Direct download: Episode_2-24_mixed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03pm PDT
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In this, our newest episode (Season 2, Ep 23), our heroes sit down to discuss some of the Sweet Memories of Gonzaga’s best weekend of the season. Big East champions? That’s terrific, we’re happy for you. Next. Pac-12 Player of the Year? Isn’t that Sweet. Get out of the way. We've got it all covered, from the defensive domination to the offensive efficiency to the sheer capitulation-causing concentration for 80 brilliant minutes.
 
We’ll get you primed for the Sweet 16 matchup against Syracuse. How does Gonzaga handle the Orange’s vaunted 2-3 zone? Where can Cuse cause us trouble? Where can we take advantage of a team most thought shouldn’t even have been in the Tournament?
 
All this in more in the latest edition of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us, won’t you? We promise, it’ll be Sweet.
Direct download: Episode_2-23_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:25pm PDT
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And then there were 64 (well, really, 68, but that's pretty lame and doesn't have the same ring to it so we're gonna go ahead and ignore that)! And the Free Ira Brown crew has you covered. In our latest episode (Season 2, Episode 22), our heroes cover everything you want to know about Gonzaga in Denver. 

Those stories, plus we have actual basketball coverage (no, really). What are the Hall's weaknesses? Strengths? How do they match up with Gonzaga? Don't worry, we hit it all. Plus we share some thoughts about the Pac-12 as a whole, take a look at which unprotected seeds may make a run to the second weekend.

All that and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us, won't you? It is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year.
 
freeirabrown@gmail.com
Direct download: Episode_2-22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:27pm PDT
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Chris, Adam and Marty can hardly contain themselves after Gonzaga wins its 14th of the last 18 WCC Tournament finals. We celebrate, elaborate, and discombobulate with joy at a fantastic performance from the Zags.

Oh, and the fact that St. Mary's is firmly on the bubble makes this victory all the sweeter.

Go Bulldogs!

Direct download: Episode_2-21_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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Well, where do we begin this week? Gonzaga drops another big game, a disturbing trend this season against top opponents . . . and St. Mary's. An anemic offensive performance results in a profoundly disappointing loss and Adam, Chris and Marty are dejected, but thankfully not alone. 

Join us as we vent our frustrations at a dismal performance against the hated Gaels. We discuss the game, at length and (warning to our more sensitive listeners) laced with expletives (we tried, we really did). Come for the commiseration, stay for the valiant effort to look on the bright side!

We also look ahead to the upcoming games against USD and BYU (as if that mattered) and engage in some (possibly futile) bubble talk. Stick around to the end of the show when we attempt to lift our spirits with our top three Sports Movie "Chips are Down Moments."

Join us, won't you? Misery does, in fact, love company.

Direct download: Episode_19_final_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46pm PDT
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You’ll forgive us if we’re a bit cranky this week. You see, in a weekend where we are supposed to celebrate the folk who have led this great nation (like Washington and Jefferson and Lincoln), the leaders of the free world (like Roosevelt & Kennedy), the pillars of our society (like Eisenhower and Thayne), we are left scratching our collective heads. Because after watching the prettiness that was the pulverizing of the Pilots in Portland, we were subjected to that SMU stinkfest. So here at Free Ira Brown, our heroes are left to wonder: What in the name of William Howard Taft happened to our friend Kyle? Was he worrying about the recent New Hampshire primaries? Thinking about which ski resort to hit up on Monday’s holiday? Are his numbers trending down or did he simply have a bad day at the (oval) office?
 
All this and more in the latest edition of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops podcast. Do join us, won’t you? It’s the presidential thing to do.
Direct download: Episode_18_plot_thickens.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm PDT
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I don’t want to alarm you, but here they come. Creeping up when no one’s looking, skulking in the shadows of the polls, it’s Free Ira Brown! In our latest offering, our heroes lustily look back on Gonzaga’s successful sojourn to Los Angeles, starting with a lambasting of LMU and finishing with a solid, no-frills win over Pepperdine.
 
We preview the upcoming trip to the Rose City and see how we measure up against SMU, our last-best chance to get a resume-padding win. 
 
All this in more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us, won’t you?
Direct download: Episode_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:39pm PDT
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Hey, well now THAT was better! We recap the USF massacre and the SCU win. We also engage in some bubble talk, some top three and a moment with Heister. 

Thanks for Listening!

Direct download: Episode_16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39pm PDT
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Hey everybody! It’s a happy-go-lucky Free Ira Brown! In our latest episode (Season 2, Episode 15), our heroes keep an eye on the bright side of things despite a tough road loss. We’re down but not out. We’re not letting this game get us down. We took one on the chin but we’re keeping our heads up, our thoughts positive, our -- Lies. These are all lies.

We also recap the horror show that is the second half of our five losses, take stock of the team at the conference mid-way point and preview (sort of) the upcoming games against Santa Clara and USF.

Also, sorry, but we couldn't help but let a few swears loose on this one.

 

Direct download: Episode_15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25pm PDT
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We won’t lie, it’s not been the best of weeks here at Free Ira Brown. So in order to prevent our heroes from overdosing on their preferred coping mechanisms we brought in a special guest. Our latest offering (Season 2, Episode 14) has a member of the House McCarthey – yes, those McCartheys -- to help us dissect the BYU cluster (breathe…deep breath…breathe), share stories from the road and get a little insight on what it’s like to be so close to the Gonzaga program.

Direct download: Episode_14_What.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49pm PDT
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Welcome to Free Ira Brown! Adam, Chris and Marty tackle the Portland game, look at St. Mary's hot start (FRAUD!) and preview this week's games against BYU and some WCC rabble.

We also spend some time on the NFL this week. So What? Big whoop, wanna fight about it?

Go Zags!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com

 

Direct download: Episode_13_lucky.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:44pm PDT
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Join Adam, Chris and Marty as we wish you a Happy New Year! We also discuss the team's ceiling without Huge Piece, the overtime victory at USF and the top three bigs in Gonzaga History.

Direct download: Real_Episode_12_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:15pm PDT
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The Force finally appears to be in balance as the Bulldogs put two halves of a basketball game against Pepperdine, and as a bonus, LMU too! We recap those games and look ahead to the Bay area trip. Also, the top three most significant injuries in GU history AND a moment with Heister.

freeirabrown@gmail.com; @freeirabrown

Direct download: Episode_12_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28pm PDT
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AAAAARGH! Another non-conference home loss to a Pac-12 team. Karnowski remains hobbled with back trouble and the guards are hobbled with a complete lack of shooting touch.

Is it time to panic? Can we Panic?!! Please?

Adam, Chris and Mard say NAY! Don't panic, but do engage in some grave concern.

We take at look at the Battle In Seattle, give out non-conference player grades and enjoy yet another moment with Heister.

Also, due to some technical difficulties this episode is not up to our usual standards, we apologize. But you'll listen anyway, because reasons.

freeirabrown@gmail.com; Twitter: @freeirabrown

Merry Christmas!

Direct download: Episode_9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:02pm PDT
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Well THAT was an exciting week in Gonzaga Hoops, wasn't it? Chris, Marty and Adam break down the good, the ugly, and the fugly from the last three games. UCLA looms with the Huge Piece sidelined. Commiserate with us, then emerge into the bright light of a long season.

@freeirabrown; freeirabrown@gmail.com

Thanks for Listening, People! 

Also, get well soon Karno, you are missed out there.

Direct download: Ep_8_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:21pm PDT
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Listen as we recap the Thanksgiving Feast that was the Battle 4 Atlantis [sic] and look ahead to the PAC12 match-ups in the coming week.

Also, DON'T PANIC!

E-mail Us! freeirabrown@gmail.com Tweet Us! @freeirabrown.

Direct download: Episode_7_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm PDT
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The Free Ira Brown crew is joined by admitted Husky fan Scott to discuss the UW vs GU rivalry and the upcoming renewal of said rivalry. We recap the previous games and look at the field of the Battle For Atlantis. A moment with Heister returns as well.

This is a long one folks, so hold onto your butts.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We're thankful for downloads!

Twitter: @freeirabrown e-mail: FreeIraBrown@gmail.com

Direct download: Episode_6_mix.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:21am PDT
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Friday the 13th comes knocking on Gonzaga's door and moistens the marine base's floor, resulting in a non-game. That doesn't mean Adam, Chris and Marty didn't see some things to talk about though. Also, we take a look at the week ahead, with two home games against NAU and Mt. St. Mary's.

E-mail us! Tweet at Us!

Freeirabrown@gmail.com, twitter @freeirabrown

Go Zags!

Direct download: Episode_5_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:26pm PDT
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Free Ira Brown is Back in the preview business with a HUGE season opener against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Armed Forces Classic this Friday. Listen, as we yammer on for an hour about all things Gonzaga Basketball. Also, a moment with Heister.

E-mail us! Tweet Us! Tell your friends! Download!

Freeirabrown@gmail.com, @freeirabrown.

Direct download: Episode_2-4_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47pm PDT
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There are a lot of questions in the Zag's backcourt this year and we ask them all. We also get some wisdom from the huge piece and a dose of doom from the PessiMard.

Questions? Comments? FreeIraBrown@gmail.com; @freeirabrown on twitter.

Thanks for Downloading!

Direct download: Episode_2-3_revised_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:50am PDT
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Chris, Adam and Marty return in this first season preview of the  . . . season. We take a look at the NCAA rule changes, the Mets, and the return of the frontcourt that will strike fear into the hearts of GU's opponents this season.

 

Thanks for downloading. Contact Us! freeirabrown@gmail.com; @freeirabrown

Direct download: Episode_2-2_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:02pm PDT
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Adam, Marty and Chris update you on the offseason news and try to remember how to talk.

Direct download: Episode_2-1_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm PDT
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In this, the final episode of Free Ira Brown: The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast Adam, Chris and Marty wail and gnash their teeth about the sudden end to a magnificent Gonzaga Basketball season.

We relive the elight 8 and then look ahead to what looks to be another spectacular run next year.

Thanks to all who downloaded over the past few months, it really means a lot. We'll be back with a vengeance next season so keep us in your subscription list!

Thoughts? Comments? @freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: Episode_26_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:40pm PDT
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Marty, Chris and Adam party like it's 1999 as we celebrate Gonzaga's Sweet Sixteen victory over the hapless Bruins of UCLA. Demons purged, monkey thrown off back, <insert your own cliche here>. 

Gonzaga is bound for the elite 8 against an excellent Duke squad with one of the most dominant players in the college game in Okafor. We look ahead to that game and dare to dream about the Final Four.

 

Thanks for listening and Go Zags! freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown

Direct download: Episode_25_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:16am PDT
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Adam, Chris and Marty break down Gonzaga's first successful Round of 32 game in  . . . well, awhile. And what a victory it was, a complete and total beatdown of BIG 12 also rans Iowa.

We also look ahead to the sweet sixteen match-up with F   UCLA. Seriously?

Questions? Thoughts? Comments? Hate? E-mail us at freeirabrown@gmail.com or tweet at us @freeirabrown.

Most of all though, do a handstand, because the lads finally dropped that first weeked funk.

Direct download: Episode_24_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:24am PDT
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Gonzaga a #2 seed in the South! Adam, Chris and Marty preview Gonzaga's tournament draw, with the in depth analysis you've come to expect from the Gonzaga Hoops Podcast, yeah that's right.

We also place 4(ish) players on Mr. Spokane as GU's Mt. Rushmore.

Comments, thoughts, cheers, jeers, and go-to-hells email us at freeirabrown@gmail.com or tweat us at @freeirabrown.

Join our tournament bracket group on ESPN.com, winner gets a free Free Ira Brown T-Shirt!

Direct download: episode_23_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:21pm PDT
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Gonzaga wins their third straight WCC tournament! And Adam, Chris and Marty are really happy about it. I mean, really happy. We recap the conference tournament and look ahead to the NCAA Tournament. Who's the scariest 2nd round opponent out there? We'll tell you.

Comments? freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown

Thanks for listening and Go BULLDOGS!

Direct download: Episode_22_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm PDT
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Yes, Gonzaga lost last weekend. Chris, Marty and Adam share their thoughts and discuss the seeding implications going forward.

Also, the WCC Tournament, it's a thing!

 

FreeIraBrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown

 

Thanks for listening and GO GONZAGA!

Direct download: Episode_21_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:33pm PDT
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Holy ham sandwich that was a close one. Adam, Marty and Chris brak down the dramatic comeback win over the mouthbreather and St. Mary's and discuss the implications for seeding in the NCAA Tournament. We also discuss whether or not Gonzaga will remain on the one line.

Also, two, yes TWO! Listener e-mails!

You could be mentioned on the podcast too. E-mail us at freeiraabrown@gmail.com, tweat us @freeirabrown and check our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Ira-Brown-The-Gonzaga-Hoops-Podcast/1416476601980066?ref=bookmarks

Most of all thanks for listening and GO BULLDOGS!

 

Direct download: Episode_20_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:28pm PDT

After reviwing last week's games Adam, Chris and Marty each draft their all-time GU fantasy teams chosen from a pool of Gonzaga greats from 1998 to the present. 

Listen and VOTE! @freeirabrown, freeirabrown@gmail.com, slipperstillfits.com (Fan Post section), or on the Free Ira Brown facebook page!

Which team is best? 

Blue Squad:

Starters - Kevin Pangos, Jeremy Pargo, Richie Frahm, Elias Harris, JP Batista

Bench - Gary Bell, Jr., Mike Hart, Micah Downs, Domantas Sabonis, Rob Sacre

White Squad:

Starters - Dan Dickau, Matt Bouldin, David Pendegraft, Casey Calvary, Kelly Olynyk

Bench - Corey Violette, Derek Raivio, Erroll Knight, Stephen Gray, Ira Brown

Red Squad:

Starters - Matt Santangelo, Blake Stepp, Adam Morrison, Ronny Turiaf, Przemek Karnowski

Bench - Kyle Wiltjer, Austin Daye, David Stockton, Anthony Reason, Josh Heytvelt

Your comments are much appreciated, thanks everyone!

Direct download: Episode_19_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:12pm PDT

Adam, Chris and Marty take a look back at the week that was in GU hoops, should we be concerned? Short answer? Nay. Long answer? Well that's why we record these things. We also compare this year's team to the 2006 team led by Adam Morrison and Besagno forgets how to talk.

All this and MORE!

 

FreeIraBrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown

 

 

Direct download: Episode_18_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:24pm PDT

We finally decide, definitively and once and for all, whether or not this is Mark Few's best team. We also examine why Domantas Sabonis is a bad, bad man and attempt to cleanse the curse of the War Memorial.

What do you think? Are we watching the BEST Gonzaga team of the past 16 years?

Answer at Freeirabrown@gmail.com or tweet us @freeirabrown.

As always, thanks for downloading and GO ZAGS!

Direct download: Episode_17_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27pm PDT

Gonzaga blows out their closest conference "rival." We recap the action. A BONUS moment with Heister and a look ahead to Memphis.

We also answer a listener e-mail, so keep them coming! freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: Episode_16_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39pm PDT

A close call at Pepperdine and a predictable romp in Gersten. We recap. Also, we look ahead to the SMC visit and discuss our all-time SMC hate team. 

 

FreeIraBrown@gmail.com. Hit us up! And thanks for listening.

Direct download: Episode_15_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45am PDT

We Preview Gonzaga's pending road trip to Southern California and speak on the recent WCC upsets along with Gonzaga's number 3 ranking. Also, a moment with Heister.

Hit us up at freeirabrown@gmail.com! And thanks for listening.

Direct download: Episode_14_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:59pm PDT

Karnowski hit a three! No, seriously, and it looked good. We discuss THAT, and the rest of the Portland tilt. We also take a look at Gonzaga's triumphant return to the Mac against two weak sauce WCC opponents.

E-mail us! Seriously, you don't have a lot of competition, you'll probably get your name on the "air". freeirabrown@gmail.com.

Direct download: Episode_13_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:03pm PDT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Chris, Marty and Adam breakdown Gonzaga's 2-0 start to the conference season and look ahead to this weekend's match-up with Portland. Also, we complain . . . about a great many things.

 

As always, thanks for listening! You can contact us at FreeIraBrown@gmail.com.

Direct download: Episode_12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:35pm PDT

The Guys Recap the Cal Poly game, preview the upcoming conference opening road trip and give some Christmas gifts. Also, Moments with Heister!

Thanks for listening. FreeIraBrown@gmail.com.

Direct download: Episode_11_Mixed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm PDT

Gonzaga Superfans Adam, Chris and Marty recap this week's non-conference action and the non-conference season as a whole while previewing the upcoming tilt against Cal Poly. Nevermid that it's tilted far in GU's favor.

All this . . . and MOMENTS WITH HEISTER!

Direct download: Episode_10_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:53pm PDT

the guys recap Gonzaga's narrow loss to the #3 Arizona Wildcats. Some complaining, some analysis and some blame. We also look ahead to Wazzu and UCLA.

Thanks for listening!

Comments or thoughts? Email at: FreeIraBrown@gmail.com 

Twitter: @freeirabrown

Direct download: Episode_9_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38am PDT

Adam, Chris and Mard discuss the upcoming epic game between Gonzaga and Arizona. We take a look at the key match-ups, stats and players. Also, Southern Lousian . . . I'm sorry I just don't want to type up that whole thing.

Give us feedback on twitter @freeirabrown, or send us an e-mail at freeirabrown@gmail.com. 

And thanks for listening!

 

 

NCAA, Gonzaga, Podcast, Hoops, Ira Brown, Bulldogs, Basketball

Direct download: Episode_8_Normalized.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22am PDT

We gather at Bruce Bar to recap the NIT Pre-Season Tip-off. Special Guest: Doug Cameron!

Direct download: Episode_7.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm PDT

We preview the upcoming NIT Season Tip-Off semi-final and potential final match-ups and briefly recap the dismantling of DII St. Thomas Aquinas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gonzaga, Basketball, Zags, Bulldogs, NCAA

Direct download: Episode_6.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:10am PDT

We gush endlessly about Gonzaga's dominating 3-0 start to the season, but find one glaring negative in all the praise. Heister has a serious warning for us all.

 

NCAA, Gonzaga, Bulldogs, Zags, Podcast, College, Basketball, Blowout

Direct download: Episode_5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Gonzaga Superfans, Adam, Marty and Chris recap the Bulldogs' opening action and spend some quality time discussing Gonzaga's much lauded backcourt. Also, "Moments with Heister".

 

 

gonzaga, basketball, ncaa, bulldogs, zags, podcast, greg heister

Direct download: Episode2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm PDT

Episode 1: The Big Men

Gonzaga Alumni and Superfans Chris, Marty and Adam discuss the upcoming season of Gonzaga Basketball with a focus on the non-conference schedule and the expectations of the frontcourt.

We also take a look at some of our favorite memories of Gonzaga Fandom.

 

 

 

 

gonzaga university podcast ncaa basketball mark few

Direct download: GU_Bball_Podcast_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10am PDT