Mark Few Enters Hall Of Fame After Transforming Gonzaga Into National Power

Gonzaga men’s basketball has evolved from a mid-major program into one of the most consistent national powers in college basketball, and much of that transformation is tied to head coach Mark Few. Over the past two decades, Few has built the Bulldogs into a perennial contender rather than a one-time March surprise, reshaping the program’s identity on the national stage.

That sustained success has now been formally recognized, with reports confirming that Few has been elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame after his second consecutive year as a finalist. The honor places him among an elite group of basketball figures and underscores the magnitude of his long-term impact at Gonzaga.

Few’s selection comes as part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, which also includes prominent names such as Amar’e Stoudemire, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Doc Rivers. The class reflects excellence across both the NBA and women’s basketball, highlighting the broad reach of this year’s inductees.

For Gonzaga, the recognition further validates a program built on consistency, player development, and sustained competitiveness under a coach who has spent his entire career in Spokane.

1. A Program Transformed Over Two Decades

When Mark Few took over Gonzaga’s program in 1999, the Bulldogs were not widely viewed as a national powerhouse. Since then, he has guided the program into a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament and a fixture in national rankings year after year. Under Few’s leadership, Gonzaga has reached two national championship games, in 2017 and 2021, narrowly missing out on winning its first title. Those deep tournament runs helped elevate the program from a respected mid-major to a legitimate national contender. His consistency has also been unmatched. Gonzaga has not missed the NCAA Tournament during his tenure, maintaining one of the most remarkable streaks in modern college basketball. Even in seasons impacted by injuries and roster setbacks, including challenges such as Braden Huff’s injury during a recent campaign, the Bulldogs have remained competitive at the highest level.

2. Sustained Excellence And Player Development

Beyond wins and tournament appearances, Few’s legacy is defined by player development and the program’s pipeline to the professional level. Over his career, he has coached more than 30 players who have gone on to compete in the NBA. Among those, 19 were selected in the NBA Draft, and 11 earned All-American honors during their collegiate careers. This consistent production of high-level talent has reinforced Gonzaga’s reputation as both a winning program and a developmental destination. Few’s efficiency as a coach is also historically significant. Among active Division I coaches, he holds the highest winning percentage, sitting at 83.2% with a career record of 773-156. That combination of sustained winning and player advancement has helped Gonzaga remain relevant in both college basketball and the professional scouting landscape.

3. Continued Success And A Lasting Legacy

The 2025-26 season added another chapter to Gonzaga’s consistency under Few, as the program secured its ninth 30-win season and extended its NCAA Tournament streak to 28 appearances. The Bulldogs also claimed a share of the West Coast Conference regular-season title and won the conference tournament. In the NCAA Tournament, Gonzaga continued its streak of winning at least one game for the 17th consecutive season. However, their run ended in the Round of 32 with an upset loss to Texas, falling short of another potential deep postseason push. Despite the disappointment, the season reinforced the program’s stability under Few’s leadership, as Gonzaga once again remained among the most reliable contenders in the sport. Few’s entire coaching career has taken place at Gonzaga, beginning as a graduate assistant in 1989 before rising through the ranks to become head coach a decade later. His lifelong commitment to the program has become one of the defining stories in college basketball.