Mark Few, the head coach of the Gonzaga men’s basketball program, is on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone. His name is among the highly regarded candidates for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2025. This recognition comes as no surprise given his outstanding career and the numerous achievements of the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Mark Few's Basketball Legacy Unfolding

Coaching Excellence at Gonzaga

In Few's 26 seasons at the helm, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have become a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. Their consistent performance year after year has placed them among the top 10 teams nationally. With two national championship appearances and an astonishing nine consecutive Sweet 16 trips, Gonzaga has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Under Few's leadership, the Zags have never missed the NCAA Tournament and have won or shared 22 West Coast Conference regular season league titles. This level of success is a testament to Few's coaching acumen and his ability to build a winning program.Moreover, Few boasts the highest winning percentage of any Division I head coach at.834 (715-143). His record is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his coaching skills. He also ranks in the top 15 among active head coaches for most 20-win seasons with 25, a feat that further solidifies his status as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

National and International Recognition

Few's basketball expertise extends beyond the college arena. His coaching skills have gained the respect of those in USA Basketball and NBA circles. Last summer, he served as an assistant coach on Steve Kerr's staff for Team USA's quest for a gold medal at the Paris Games. Alongside Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers) and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), Few played a crucial role in preparing the team. He was also an assistant coach for Team USA on the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where the same staff was involved as in the 2024 Olympics. Additionally, he was named an assistant coach for the 2019 USA Men’s Select Team, which helped prepare the USA World Cup Team prior to playing in China.These experiences have not only enhanced Few's reputation but have also allowed him to share his knowledge and expertise with some of the best players in the world.

Awards and Honors

In addition to his on-court success, Few has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has been named the Naismith Coach of the Year twice, a prestigious award that acknowledges his outstanding coaching abilities. He also holds a pair of NABC Coach of the Year awards and one AP Coach of the Year honor. Furthermore, he has been crowned the WCC Coach of the Year a whopping 14 times, a testament to his dominance in the West Coast Conference.These awards are a reflection of Few's impact on the game of basketball and his ability to inspire his players to achieve greatness.