A Historic Double Induction
The recent ceremony at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame marked a rare moment when two figures tied to the same program stepped onto the same stage, underscoring a transformation that few expected from a school perched on the edge of the Pacific Northwest.
John Stockton, who starred at Gonzaga Prep before becoming the 16th overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, spent two decades rewriting the record books with his precision passing and relentless defense. His induction in 2009 placed the Zags on the basketball map, and his legacy continued to resonate when he returned to Spokane to host Few’s offseason workouts with the next generation of Bulldogs.
Mark Few, now a 28‑year veteran at the helm of Gonzaga, has accumulated 773 victories, a tally that places him among the most successful coaches in college basketball history. His innovative schemes and ability to develop talent have drawn praise from across the sport, including former NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D'Antoni, who highlighted Few’s knack for turning a mid‑major into a national contender.
The Hall of Fame exhibit dedicated to Few showcases a fly‑fishing rod, a Gonzaga NCAA Tournament ring and a Team USA pullover, artifacts that reflect a career that extends beyond the hardwood. The display also features memorabilia from the induction of David Stockton, the son of John, who walked on at Gonzaga before forging a professional path and attending his father’s 2009 ceremony.
From the streets of Spokane to the halls of Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Uncasville, Connecticut venue that houses the Hall’s basketball collection, the story of Gonzaga’s ascent illustrates how a single recruiting breakthrough can evolve into a sustained powerhouse. The program’s journey, once anchored solely by Stockton’s name, now rests on a dual legacy that continues to inspire players, coaches and fans alike.