2024 Main Event Program Preview: Gonzaga
December 5, 2024 by Colby Giacubeno
The 2024 Main Event tips off on Friday. With 10 teams playing in 7 games across two days, the Main event will offer several teams a way to truly test themselves on a national level. With the games being streamed on the NBA App, the MADE Hoops Main Event will have all eyes on Miami this weekend. The second game features Oak Ridge who faces national powerhouse Gonzaga (DC). With that in mind, MADE highlights some players to know and things to look for for the Pioneers heading into the weekend.
Will Derek Dixon back his blue blood status?
It came as bit of a surprise when the 6-foot-4 lead guard chose North Carolina over Pittsburgh in the days leading up to his commitment. Nevertheless, the elite sharpshooting guard used the spring and summer to springboard his name onto the radars of the biggest brands in college basketball, with the Tar Heels being one of them. We all know once you commit to such a prestigious program, the expectation and standards rise significantly. It'll be the first time that Dixon takes the floor under an official whistle after his announcement, so more eyes will be focusing on his every move. He rose to such a status off of his ability to convert from long-range at an alarming rate, control the pace while playing on the ball and making high-level reads as a creator for others. Dixon and the Purple Eagles will put their talented roster to the test from the jump on Friday night against Oak Ridge before facing off in arguably the most anticipated matchup of the weekend against Columbus on Saturday afternoon.
Can Gurdak enforce the paint?
Virginia Tech commit Christian Gurdak has built a reputation in high school since he was a freshman as a bruising presence on the block both offensively and defensively. He was viewed as a major addition when he made the move to Eye Street last summer and his consistent production will be a pillar of Gonzaga's success both in the WCAC and throughout their challenging non-conference schedule. He sets punishing screens to help free space for guys like Dixon to gets his shot off or Nyk Lewis to take advantage of driving lanes. More importantly when you're playing a national schedule such as theirs, you need a big man that can battle with the amount teams who present sometimes multiple prospects of 6-foot-10 or above. While Gurdak hovers more around 6'8"-6'9" his strength and mindset present as a much more enforcing presence. It'll be key particularly against Columbus on Saturday.
Which of the supporting cast will step up and show out?
We mentioned guys such as Dixon, Gurdak and Lewis above and all three will be expected to carry much of the production this season. But make no mistake, the supporting cast is nothing to overlook. Alongside these three in the starting lineup are two more Division I commits in Will Harper (Richmond) and Alex Touomou (Harvard). Off the bench are talents such as 2026 Saxton Simley, 2026 Carter Meadows and 2027 Malachi Terrell among others. One of these players are bound to exceed expectations and will play a key role in the success that head coach Steve Turner finds throughout his trip to Miami. The roster runs deep and that's a major reason why Gonzaga comes into this event considered the No. 2 ranked team in the country.
Tickets for the 2024 Army National Guard Main Event can be found HERE
Interested in watching the broadcast from Miami Dade? You can watch on the NBA App here