Gonzaga will make at least 15 ESPN appearances

Gonzaga will appear at least 15 times on ESPN networks, including eight WCC matchups and seven non-conference games.

The WCC on Thursday announced its ESPN television schedule, which includes the Zags’ two dates with Saint Mary’s (Jan. 14 in Spokane, Feb. 11 in Moraga) and BYU (Feb. 2 in Provo, Feb. 25 in Spokane).

Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s shared the WCC title last season and both programs are ranked in numerous preseason polls. The Zags were No. 12 in collegebasketball.nbcsports.com’s way-too-early Top 25.

GU’s 15 appearances are the most by a WCC team, followed by BYU’s 10 and Saint Mary’s seven. Those numbers don’t include WCC Tournament games in Las Vegas that will be aired on ESPN or ESPN2.

Gonzaga’s initial ESPN appearance will be against visiting San Diego State at 9 p.m. on Nov. 14, part of the network’s annual College Tip-off Marathon. ESPN networks will also televise the Zags’ three AdvoCare Invitational games in Orlando and non-conference showdowns in December against Arizona, Washington and Tennessee.