A handful of names immediately came to mind when reporters asked Mark Few about going to Boise on Selection Sunday. There were key players during Gonzaga's ascent in the college basketball landscape - Cory Violette and Kyle Dranginis. Few also mentioned guys that suited up for GU before the program made a single NCAA Tournament.
Jarrod Davis, Geoff Goss and Jamie Dudley all played between 1990 and 1994, prior to the team getting into the Big Dance for the first time in 1995.
Mark Few was early in his career as an assistant at GU during their playing careers.
"We were the first guys when he came," Davis said. "I think that was probably unique to Mark. He's had so many players run through the program over so many years. But we were really the first group of guys."
The trio has enjoyed seeing the program take off in the decades since they left campus - the rise in success and talent level as given way to better facilities and greater perks for current players.
"As soon as it got announced we were all texting each other," Dudley said. "We're thrilled. It's great having everyone together and having a chance to reconnect with folks we know from Spokane."
Jarrod, Geoff and Jamie plan on being in Taco Bell Arena for Gonzaga's second round matchup with Ohio State, just as they were for the Zags' dramatic win over UNC-Greensboro.
The trio went from former teammates to close friends, each calling Boise home.