Since coach Mark Few plugged the sophomore forward into the starting lineup, the Zags have been a completely different team for the better.
Gonzaga gave up a total of 200 points in the losses on the road at Oregon State and vs. Santa Clara just about two weeks ago. Coach Mark Few then decided to shakeup the starting lineup completely. Since then, the Zags have allowed just 61 points per game in the wins at Portland and against Oregon State.
The reason for this quick defensive turnaround can be connected to sophomore forward Emmanuel Innocenti. The Ranzanico, Italy native plays tenaciously both on-ball and off-ball. At 6’5, the lanky threat out on the wing has showcased his constant activity and athleticism the last two games. This being through a jump in playing time with 23 minutes against the Pilots and 17 minutes against the Beavers.
“He’s arguably our best defensive player so it was time to give him some looks defensively.” – Gonzaga coach Mark Few after the 105-62 victory at Portland
His offensive stats don’t stand out at 1.2 points per game in 7.0 minutes per game. Innocenti’s abilities on that end of the floor need to improve (especially with his three-point shooting) but given the firepower across Gonzaga’s roster, it shouldn’t matter this season.
As a freshman at Tarleton State, Innocenti was named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Defensive Team. Among all freshman in the nation, he ranked eighth in steals per game at 1.7, and ninth in total rebounds per game at 6.4. His ability to pressure ball-handlers and get in the passing lanes stood out as his best traits during his coming out party in Texas.
Innocenti might be the most important offseason addition down the stretch of West Coast Conference play for the Zags. No disrespect to Arkansas guard transfer Khalif Battle but he has filled a glaring hole on defense for this program. Innocenti has proven that he belongs out on the floor for long stretches with the starting unit as he excels in Gonzaga’s fast, up-and-down playing style.
“He’s been a real pleasant surprise for us. He’s an incredible on-ball defender, bigger wing, which we didn’t have in the past… Defensively, his physical presence just gives us a totally different look.” – Gonzaga coach Mark Few after Kraziness in the Kennel
The sophomore’s role should continue to get bigger as the team moves forward and his presence against Saint Mary’s will be vital in coming away from Moraga with a victory. Guarding and sizing up with the likes of 6’8 forward Paulius Murauskas (13.1 points per game on 46.1 field goal percentage, 8.9 rebounds per game) and 6’6 forward Luke Barrett (10.5 points per game on 46.3 field goal percentage, 6.8 rebounds per game) is his toughest test yet in his young collegiate career.
Innocenti will need to stay disciplined on defensive rotations, communicate, and especially keep the Gaels off the offensive glass. It’s all necessary when dealing with one of the slowest teams in all of college basketball as the Gaels look for high-quality shots in their half court sets and try to take each possession all the way to end of the shot clock.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho