Thoughts on Gonzaga’s 2024 Kraziness in the Kennel

Once again, one of the most popular events on Gonzaga’s campus during the school year was a sellout and the line outside of the McCarthey Athletic Center was one of the longest I’ve ever seen. Safe to say that everyone is extremely excited about the 2024-2025 Zags.

Something new about this year’s version of the event is that media personality Sean Farnham was the host and he did a wonderful job emceeing. As for the actual broadcast on SWX, it needs some work. And why did Farnham have to ask the crowd and Kennel Club to actually stand up and cheer during the scrimmage? The season just started so I’ll give everyone the benefit of the doubt and learn from their mistakes.

Farnham gave a call to a few Gonzaga legends to reflect on that special 2021 Final Four squad and their overall experience with the Zags. Joining through Zoom was Drew Timme, Corey Kispert and Joel Ayayi. It’s always nice catching up with those who have given so much back to this community.

Mark Few was honored with a signed ball from USA basketball for helping win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was presented by Joe Few and the rest of his family. After the presentation, Joe left use with the memorable words: “Let’s go get a natty this year.”

There was a cool moment between the team and a Gonzaga student after he banked in a halfcourt shot to win free books for the semester. You know how expensive those can get. Michael was dog-piled by all the Zags which is a moment that he will remember forever.

Dusty Stromer beat Nolan Hickman to be crowned the Kraziness in the Kennel’s three-point contest champion. I’m expecting more consistent shooting marks from him this season. He won’t be a high-volume shooter, he’ll pick his spots and succeed. Stromer had a lot of pressure put on him during his freshman campaign and he just wasn’t quite ready for that kind of spotlight.

There was no skills or dunk competition one again which makes zero sense. I feel like I say this every year with Kraziness and Gonzaga just don’t want to make this event more entertaining than it can be.

As for the scrimmage, starting for the White Team was Braeden Smith (redshirting this season), Nolan Hickman, Emmanuel Innocenti, Ben Gregg and Braden Huff. For the Navy Team, it was Ryan Nembhard, Michael Ajayi, Dusty Stromer, Khalif Battle and Graham Ike.

One sequence that really stood out was when Ajayi led Nembhard on a fast break with a one-handed bounce pass for the easy lay-in. That outlet had me thinking just how well those two are going to play off of each other this season. They run the floor together like a bullet train.

Few had this to say postgame on Ajayi’s role: “He’s also a guy that kind of get to his own shots. When you’re playing those tough, hard, road games where it’s just hard to find buckets and guys just got to make plays and make shots, I think he’s somebody that can do that.”

Ben Gregg dove for a loose ball and Khalif Battle fell on him awkwardly during the scrimmage which made all of the Kennel go dead silent. It looked as if Gregg hurt his forearm but he’s as tough as nails and was fine. When he went to the bench, Few was just sitting back with his arms crossed next to him which was pretty hilarious to watch. What is he going to do through these scrimmages? He lets his assistants do all the work.

Emmanuel Innocenti hit the game-winning three-pointer to give the White Team the victory in the scrimmage, 36-34. He finished with 7 points on 3-7 shooting and 4 rebounds in his debut for the Zags.

Here are some other final stat lines that stood out:

(Navy Team)

Michael Ajayi – 9 points on 3-5 FG, 8 rebounds

Dusty Stromer – 11 points on 3-5 FG/2-4 3PT

Khalif Battle – 9 points on 1-4 FG/6-6 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

(White Team)

Ben Gregg – 10 points on 4-8 FG

Braden Huff- 9 points on 3-7 FG/3-4 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

It’s hard to really gauge anything truthful from this event but it’s just enjoyable to watch the Zags in action for the first time. This year’s squad really has a “national championship or bust” vibe to it due to the veteran leadership and depth across the board. The future is extremely bright for the university.

Later in the night, Few spoke at halftime during the Colorado State-Oregon State football game on the CW Network about the Zags joining the Pac-12 Conference.

I’ll leave with you this video from Kraziness in the Kennel that gave me goosebumps and wanting more. The production value on this from the social media department was quite high, they always seem to do fantastic work.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho