Gonzaga’s ascent from mid-major program to perennial powerhouse is one of college basketball’s great modern stories. Still, John Stockton is adamant the secret isn’t just about landing top recruits; it’s about culture and ensuring that the program shapes the players, not the other way around.
In an age of instant transfers, one-and-done stars, and constant spotlight, Gonzaga remains a case study in how culture can power sustained success.
“They’re getting top 50 guys left and right. They’re getting guys decommitting from Kentucky and going to Gonzaga. It’s just fascinating because, you know, my era, even David’s era, a little bit, we were kind of diamond in the rough guys, right? Now it’s like blue chip, blue chip, blue chip, but I think they still need to find a mix, which they will do, find a mix of four-year guys with blue chip, you know what I mean?” Stockton said.
The dangers of entitlement
And now, with NIL deals and the transfer portal flooding college basketball with movement and ego, Stock is more vocal than ever about what could go wrong. For him, Gonzaga’s future success depends on talent and whether their way stays intact…