New Season, Old Rivals: Gonzaga vs Baylor Preview

The anticipation is palpable as two college basketball powerhouses, Gonzaga and Baylor, prepare to face off in a highly anticipated season opener.

With both teams boasting impressive records and a history of success, this matchup promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans.

The Bulldogs of Gonzaga, led by All-American Chet Holmgren, enter the season ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation. Holmgren, a 7-foot freshman, has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and is expected to make an immediate impact at the college level.

The Bears of Baylor, meanwhile, are looking to defend their national title after a dominant 2020-21 season. Led by senior guard Adam Flagler, Baylor is ranked No. 5 in the preseason polls and boasts a veteran lineup with plenty of experience.

The rivalry between these two teams dates back to 2015, when Gonzaga defeated Baylor in the Elite Eight. Since then, the Bulldogs have won three of the four meetings between the two schools.

This season's matchup is expected to be another close contest, with both teams possessing talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs. The game will be played at the Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, on November 9th.

Here are some key storylines to watch for in this highly anticipated matchup:

• The battle in the paint between Holmgren and Baylor's Flo Thamba
• The perimeter matchup between Flagler and Gonzaga's Andrew Nembhard
• The impact of Gonzaga's freshman class, led by Holmgren
• The ability of Baylor to defend Holmgren and limit his impact
• The home-court advantage for Gonzaga

With so much talent on display, this season opener between Gonzaga and Baylor is sure to be a memorable event. Fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting the tip-off, as these two college basketball powerhouses battle it out for an early-season victory.