Mark Few isn't just a coach; he's the architect of an empire, a quiet giant whose relentless dedication transformed a regional curiosity into a national NCAA Tournament staple. His induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is more than deserved; it is a powerful validation of a career built on unwavering vision, remarkable consistency and an extraordinary winning percentage.
Key Highlights
- Transformed Gonzaga University from a mid-major program into a perennial NCAA powerhouse.
- Achieved an astonishing 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and 27 straight 23-win seasons.
- Developed nearly three dozen NBA players, including multiple All-Stars like Domantas Sabonis and top picks such as Chet Holmgren.
- Maintained an elite .832 winning percentage with a 773-156 overall record.
A Dynasty Forged in Spokane
Few stories in college basketball can match the remarkable rise of the Gonzaga Bulldogs under Mark Few. What began as a modest program in Spokane, Washington, has developed into a perennial national title contender, reflecting Few's coaching ability and unwavering commitment to building the program.
Unprecedented Consistency
The numbers tell the story. Few has guided Gonzaga to an incredible 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, one of the most impressive streaks in college basketball. Every one of those seasons also saw the Bulldogs win at least 23 games, while the program reached the NCAA Final Four twice.
Few's remarkable 773-156 overall record translates to an astonishing .832 winning percentage, putting him alongside the sport's all-time coaching greats. His talent for attracting and developing players despite the challenges of operating in a smaller market has become one of the defining features of his legendary career.
From the Zags to the NBA
Few's influence extends well beyond the college game. Under his leadership, nearly three dozen former Gonzaga players have gone on to play in the NBA, including seven lottery picks and multiple All-Stars. The list includes Adam Morrison, Kelly Olynyk, Domantas Sabonis, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren.
Their continued success at the professional level reflects the player development environment Few created in Spokane and the trust he placed in his players.
NBA Legends Salute Few
Few's reputation isn't based solely on statistics. He has also earned the respect of some of basketball's most accomplished coaches. Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat have both witnessed Few's coaching ability firsthand, offering powerful endorsements of his character and basketball knowledge.
Kerr's Olympic Endorsement
Steve Kerr, who led USA Basketball at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, selected Few as a key assistant. Kerr described Few as "My kind of guy," highlighting his passion, humility and ability to find solutions. Their work together at the highest level of international basketball further underlined Few's standing among the world's elite coaches.
Spoelstra's Long-Standing Admiration
Erik Spoelstra, another multi-championship-winning NBA coach, has followed Few's career for nearly four decades. Having played against early Gonzaga teams, Spoelstra called Few "one of the most underrated coaches in all of basketball." Spoelstra's decision to tap Few to assist him at the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics further reflects the trust and respect between the two coaches.
The Heart of a Lifer
For many coaches, the next opportunity can be impossible to resist. Few chose a different path. He remained at Gonzaga as head coach for more than two decades despite numerous opportunities to leave, making loyalty one of the defining characteristics of his career. That commitment was influenced by his father, a Presbyterian minister who served a small church for 54 years.
Few carried that same sense of dedication into basketball, remaining committed to the community and program he helped build from the ground up. "You couldn’t even possibly dream about something like this happening," Few reflected, expressing his overwhelming gratitude to everyone who supported his journey.
That humility, combined with an extraordinary record of success and a lasting impact on his players and the game itself, cements Mark Few's place among basketball's immortals. His Hall of Fame induction isn't simply another ceremony. It is a celebration of a coach who built his legacy brick by improbable brick — and turned Gonzaga into one of college basketball's most respected powers.
