Gonzaga’s Mark Few wins AP coach of the year

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Gonzaga’s Mark Few on Thursday was named Associated Press Coach of the Year and he received a large trophy that goes with the award.

Few then talked about nearly everyone associated with the program in his 18-year tenure except himself.

“Every player that ever made the sacrifices to put that brick on that foundation,” Few said. “It’s a unique house. We’re not from the traditional blueblood deal. We’ve worked hard to get to this point.”

Few has led Gonzaga to the NCAA Tournament every year since he was promoted to head coach following the 1999 season. The Zags’ 19 consecutive NCAA appearances is the fourth longest active streak.

Few received 31 votes from the 65 media panelists that select the weekly AP Top 25 poll. Arizona’s Sean Miller was next with eight votes and Northwestern’s Chris Collins had seven.

“It truly takes a village to run a basketball program,” Few said. “I have the greatest village in the world with the coaches I have, Tommy Lloyd, Donny Daniels, Brian Michaelson, John Jakus, Riccardo Fois, just an amazing group.”

Few guided Gonzaga (36-1) to its first Final Four. The top-seeded Zags will face South Carolina on Saturday in a national semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium.

“An award like this is about this year,” Few said. “This team I’ve been able to coach this year has been remarkable, so consistent, so connected. They’re just a dream come true.

“I wish every coach at this (NABC coaches) convention that I came to dutifully for the last 28 years, I wish every coach had an opportunity to coach a group of guys like I have this year.”