Mark Few

Mark Few is a prominent figure in college basketball, known for his long-standing tenure as head coach at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Few began his career with Gonzaga as a graduate assistant and advanced through the coaching ranks over a decade. He has served on Gonzaga's coaching staff since 1989, leading the Bulldogs from a mid-major program to consistent NCAA Tournament contenders. Upon the departure of his predecessor, Few was appointed head coach and guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first two years, becoming only the second head coach in the nation to achieve this since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams.

Few's leadership at Gonzaga has resulted in sustained success, with the Bulldogs making NCAA Tournament appearances every season under his guidance. Gonzaga has reached the National Championship game twice, won 21 West Coast Conference tournament titles, and secured at least a share of 23 WCC regular-season titles. Few's coaching philosophy emphasizes a fluid 4-out-1-in motion offense focused on ball movement, spacing, and player decision-making, paired with a high-intensity defense that prioritizes turnovers and efficient rebounding. This approach has enabled Gonzaga to compete with larger programs through skill development and comprehensive player growth.

Few holds the highest winning percentage among active coaches, with a record of 773-156, and was the second-fastest coach to reach 700 career wins. During a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Few led Gonzaga to its first undefeated regular and conference season, with the team ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and Collegiate Coaches Polls throughout. Under Few, Gonzaga produced its first seven first-team All-Americans: Dan Dickau, Adam Morrison, Kelly Olynyk, Nigel Williams-Goss, Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert, and Drew Timme.

Few has received numerous honors, including 14 WCC Coach of the Year awards, two Naismith Coach of the Year honors, one Associated Press Coach of the Year award, and the most consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances to start a coaching career. He was recognized with the John R. Wooden Award Legends of Coaching Award and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Few also served as the only college coach on the U.S. Olympic men's basketball coaching staff, contributing to a gold medal victory.

Off the court, Few and his wife established the Spokane branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, which has become the organization's largest fundraiser, raising over $25 million for cancer research, patient support, and facilities such as Camp Good Times for children with cancer. Few has also advocated for student-athletes' rights, including testifying before the Senate Commerce Committee. His career, from graduate assistant to Hall of Fame coach and Olympic gold medalist, is recognized as a significant narrative in college basketball and sports leadership.