Gonzaga’s 2023 Nonconference Schedule Released
The 68-team bracket from last year’s NCAA Tournament reveals that Gonzaga will face at least seven familiar opponents in their challenging nonconference slate this season.
Gonzaga fans have been piecing together the nonconference schedule over the past few months through various announcements, but the complete 13-game lineup was officially released on Wednesday morning.
Depending on the last game draw at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, Gonzaga could potentially meet up to eight NCAA Tournament teams from last season. Seven of their nonconference opponents are ranked within the top 75 of the NCAA NET rankings, with five finishing in the top 30. Additionally, four of these teams have been featured in ESPN’s latest early preseason rankings.
Season Kickoff and Early Games
The Zags will open their season with the annual Kraziness in the Kennel event on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m., and will face NAIA team Western Oregon in a preseason exhibition. Western Oregon’s new coach, Ryan Orton, is the son of Doug Orton, who previously coached Gonzaga’s Mark Few in high school.
Challenging Matches Ahead
Gonzaga will only venture outside the Pacific time zone once during their nonconference segment, starting with a season opener against SWAC opponent Texas Southern on Nov. 3. Their first notable nonleague encounter against an NCAA Tournament team will be on Nov. 8, when they meet Oklahoma at the Arena, after defeating Baylor and Kentucky in past seasons.
Busy Schedule in November
The busy November continues with a matchup against Creighton on Nov. 11, marking their first clash since the 2021 NCAA Tournament. While Creighton has lost some key players, they will compensate with a nine-man transfer class. Just three days later, the Zags will face Arizona State, with Gonzaga’s Adam Miller returning to his former school.
Trip to Las Vegas
Following a brief return home to play Southern Utah, Gonzaga will participate in the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas, starting against another projected Top 25 team, Alabama, on Nov. 24. They will also face Maryland 24 hours later and could meet one of 15 potential teams on the final day, including Kansas and Houston.
End of Nonconference Games
The nonconference schedule wraps up with a neutral-site game against Oregon on Dec. 21. This matchup, part of the Northwest Elite Showdown, will be the third encounter between Few and his alma mater but the first outside a tournament setting. Oregon, returning two veteran players, will seek redemption after their Round of 32 loss in the last NCAA Tournament.
Besides the opening games at the Players Era tournament, the timings and broadcast information for the remaining nonconference games are still pending release.
