Mark Few, the distinguished leader of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball program, has once again been spotlighted as a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This is his second consecutive nomination, underscoring a career defined by extraordinary achievement and transformative leadership in collegiate athletics. The basketball community eagerly awaits the final announcement during the NCAA Final Four weekend in April, anticipating the deserved recognition of Few's enduring impact on the sport.
Few stands as a titan in NCAA Division I coaching, boasting an unparalleled winning percentage of 83.3%, with an impressive overall record of 766 wins against just 154 losses. His tenure at Gonzaga, which began in 1999, has been nothing short of revolutionary. He inherited a regional Jesuit institution and meticulously forged it into a national basketball colossus, consistently contending at the highest levels of the sport. Under his guidance, over 31 former Gonzaga athletes have progressed to play in the NBA, a testament to his ability to develop talent and foster professional growth.
The impact of Few's leadership extends far beyond mere statistics. His strategic acumen and unwavering dedication have shaped the program's identity, making Gonzaga a perennial force in college basketball. His profound influence has not only produced an astonishing number of victories but also cultivated a culture of excellence and sustained success that is rare in the competitive landscape of NCAA sports.
Few's list of accomplishments is extensive and speaks volumes about his coaching prowess. He has led the Bulldogs to an impressive 44-25 record in the NCAA Tournament and a dominant 54-6 record in the West Coast Conference Tournament. Under his stewardship, Gonzaga has secured 22 regular-season West Coast Conference titles and 20 conference tournament titles. Individually, Few has been honored with the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year award 14 times and the Naismith Coach of the Year award twice. His teams have reached the National Championship game twice, made six Elite Eight appearances, and advanced to the Sweet 16 fourteen times. Remarkably, Gonzaga has appeared in 26 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, a streak that highlights the program's consistent elite performance. Additionally, Few boasts an Olympic Gold medal, further cementing his status as a decorated coach.
These myriad achievements collectively paint a picture of a coach who has not only mastered the intricacies of the game but also profoundly elevated the profile of his institution. The anticipation surrounding his potential induction into the Hall of Fame reflects a widespread acknowledgment of his indelible contributions to basketball. His name is undoubtedly destined to be immortalized in the annals of basketball history in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Few's consistent excellence and numerous accolades firmly establish him as one of college basketball's most impactful figures. His legacy is characterized by an exceptional winning record, a consistent ability to guide his team to deep tournament runs, and a remarkable knack for transforming athletes into professional talents. These factors collectively underscore his profound and lasting influence on the sport, making his Hall of Fame nomination a well-deserved recognition of a truly extraordinary career.