Gonzaga visits Alaska Airlines Arena on Sunday, December 10 for a 5:00 PM (PT) tip with Washington. Limited tickets remain - click here for more information. 

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By Bobby Jones 
Washington Men's Basketball (2002-2006)

College basketball rivalries are known for bringing out the best in both teams and their diehard fans. When your university is playing its arch-nemesis, you know you're assured one of the biggest games of the season and hopefully bragging rights. 
 
When I arrived at the University of Washington, I had no idea what state Gonzaga was located in. Being from Compton, I always thought Spokane was located somewhere in Kansas or Iowa. But yet, that didn't stop Gonzaga from luring away some recruits from the Huskies and building a competitive rivalry. 
 
The two schools began their series in 1910.  Apart from a few breaks here and there, they met regularly with Washington winning 28 of the first 34 games. Since then, we have gone 1-10 making the all-time series 29-16.  Unfortunately, the last time we beat Gonzaga was in December 2005. I was senior then and it I was my last chance to finally beat them; I was 0-3 until that point.
 
While we were ranked modestly - No. 18 in the nation - Gonzaga entered the game ranked sixth.  More importantly, the Bulldogs had preseason All-American Adam Morrison, who was widely was considered one of the best college players that season. 
 
It was a Sunday night at Hec Ed – as usual it was packed and noisy. I vastly remember seeing the Dawg Pack greeting Morrison with some clever chants. Not sure if that strategy helped or hurt our cause because he killed us for the entire game, scoring 43 points.
 
What was even more frustrating was that I was matched up defensively against him. Just so we're clear, he didn't put all 43 points on me; I accounted for maybe 15. But, nobody has ever given me the business like that in my basketball career. I was looking forward to finally shutting this guy down and showing the world it was possible, but it wasn't. I can honestly say there was no way to stop him – he scored in too many variations of ways. 
 
Even as Morrison was having his way with us, we were up for the majority of game. The Zags made a late run to give Morrison a chance to win the game. We were up 97-95 and he received the ball near the sideline with about 15 seconds to go. Adam went up for a difficult 3-point shot with my hand literally covering his face. He missed the shot, then a Gonzaga player grabbed the offensive rebound, but missed the easy layup to tie the game. I grabbed the rebound, got fouled and then sealed the win with two free throws. 
 
The thrilling result ended in our 29th consecutive home win – the nation's-best home winning streak at that time. It was our first victory over Gonzaga dating back to 1997. Beating Gonzaga was a weight lifted off my shoulders – all was finally right in the world.
 
So here we are in 2017. The Hopkins era has begun – it's a new beginning, but the rivalry will always remain.
 
So... Let's go DAWGS!

About the author: 
Bobby Jones is a Washington men's basketball four-year letter winner (2002-2006) and was selected 37th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is currently slotted 26th on the Dawgs' on the all-time scoring list (1,226), 7th in steals (134), and 14th in career 10-point games (66). During his senior year, Jones was named All-Pac-10 honorable mention, helping Washington secure a 26-7 overall record and a second consecutive Sweet-16 appearance. His professional career, both in the NBA and internationally, spans 11 years.

Away from basketball, Jones has poured himself into motivational speaking, writing and film production. While playing in Italy, he began working on and ultimately produced a documentary called "Basketball Jones: The Overseas Journey."  The film follows nine American basketball players and investigates why some have found success abroad, while others have not. 

Currently, Jones plays for U.C. Casalpusterlengo of the Italian Serie A2.