Seminoles seek to gauge themselves against Zags
Credit: AP
In this photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, Gonzaga's Elias Harris, of Germany, shoots against Pepperdine's Jonathan Dupre during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash. The little-known recruit from Germany is a big reason Gonzaga (16-3) has powered its way into the Top 25. Harris has averaged a double-double the past eight games, and just 19 games into his college career is showing up on mock draft boards as a first-round pick. (AP Photo/Rajah Bose)
by Associated Press
Associated Press
Posted on March 19, 2010 at 6:53 AM
Updated
Friday, Mar 19 at 6:59 AM
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — It's not often an ACC school like Florida State gets mid-major envy. Then again, Gonzaga's basketball program has developed the kind of reputation that makes most schools blush.
For Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton, the opportunity to open the NCAA tournament Friday against the Bulldogs is a chance to gauge how far along his team is in becoming a consistent contender.
Florida State (22-9), the West Regional's No. 9 seed, is still hoping to make its mark in its second consecutive tournament appearance and sixth since 1991. By comparison, it's nothing new for No. 8 seed Gonzaga (26-6), a West Coast Conference powerhouse making its 12th consecutive appearance.
