Gonzaga University is set to make its final appearance at the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament next week, marking the end of a storied 39-year relationship. The Zags, who currently hold a record of 28-3 and are the top seed, will face either Portland, San Francisco, or Oregon State in the semifinals scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. (ESPN). As they prepare to depart for the Pac-12, fans can expect a memorable conclusion at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, where the Zags have played the last 18 conference tournaments.
The WCC has been a significant platform for Gonzaga, with the team appearing in every championship game since 1998 and securing an impressive 21 titles during that period. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Few, who is in his 27th year, Gonzaga has amassed a remarkable 68-17 tournament record, including a staggering 54-6 in the WCC Tournament since Few took the helm.
Celebrating the Heroes of Gonzaga’s Tournament History
Throughout its history in the WCC Tournament, Gonzaga has been home to numerous standout players. A total of 22 players have been named WCC Tournament MVP, with three achieving this honor on two occasions. Among them, Dan Dickau stands out as a pivotal figure. The sharpshooting guard earned back-to-back MVP awards in 2001 and 2002, scoring a total of 133 points in six tournament games, averaging 22.1 points per game. In the 2002 title game against Pepperdine, Dickau overcame a slow start to finish with 29 points, leading the Zags to a 96-90 victory.
Another key player, Ronny Turiaf, played a crucial role in the 2004 tournament, particularly in a nail-biting semifinal against Santa Clara where he scored four points in the final seconds to clinch a 63-62 win. In the championship game, Turiaf dominated with 29 points and 14 rebounds, helping Gonzaga secure an 84-71 victory over Saint Mary’s.
All-American Adam Morrison also left a lasting mark, claiming MVP honors in 2005 and 2006. He performed exceptionally in the 2005 tournament, scoring 55 points over two games, including a career-high 30 points in the final against Saint Mary’s. Kyle Wiltjer, a transfer who became a two-time MVP, was instrumental in the Zags’ 2015 championship run, averaging nearly a double-double and showcasing his scoring prowess in subsequent tournaments.
In 2018, Killian Tillie captured MVP honors after an extraordinary performance, scoring 72 points and making an impressive 13 of 14 from three-point range. His contributions helped solidify Gonzaga’s dominance in the tournament.
Defining Moments and Heartbreaks
Gonzaga’s success in the WCC Tournament has not come without its challenges. The Zags have frequently faced adversity, often requiring clutch performances to secure victories. In the 2001 championship, Gonzaga established a 13-point lead, only to withstand a late rally from Santa Clara, ultimately winning 80-77 thanks to Dickau’s free-throw shooting in the closing moments.
The following year, the Zags faced a similar scenario against Pepperdine, a team that had previously handed them a loss. In a dramatic title game, Gonzaga managed to secure a 29-point performance from Dickau, sealing a 75-70 victory amidst late-game pressure.
Over the years, the WCC Tournament has also provided moments of anguish for Gonzaga fans. The inaugural tournament in 1987 saw Gonzaga, heavily favored, lose to Pepperdine in a surprising upset. In 2008, former Gonzaga assistant Bill Grier, now the head coach at San Diego, led his new team to a championship victory over the Zags, marking a painful moment for the program.
Another heart-wrenching defeat came in 2012 when Gonzaga faced Saint Mary’s and standout guard Matthew Dellavedova. In a closely contested overtime game, the Zags fell short, with Dellavedova scoring 22 points to clinch the victory for Saint Mary’s.
Despite these setbacks, Gonzaga’s overall legacy in the WCC Tournament has been one of triumph, resilience, and unforgettable memories. As the Zags prepare for their final tournament appearance, they do so with a sense of pride, having established themselves as a powerhouse in college basketball.
With the upcoming tournament, Gonzaga looks to leave a lasting impression on the WCC, a fitting farewell for a program that has become synonymous with success and excellence in collegiate athletics.