Ep 1. Pilot

Gonzaga: The March to Madness is an American documentary television series that premiered on Showtime on February 16, 2016. The show follows the Gonzaga Bulldogs, a college basketball team, as they strive to achieve greatness during the NCAA tournament. The first episode, titled Pilot, introduces viewers to the team and their journey to the tournament.

The episode begins with a brief history of Gonzaga's basketball program, focusing on the team's rise to national prominence in recent years. Head coach Mark Few is a big part of the team's success, and the episode delves into his coaching philosophy and style. Viewers are also introduced to some of the team's key players, including Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis, and Przemek Karnowski.

As the season gets underway, the Bulldogs are faced with a tough schedule and high expectations. The team is ranked #9 in the preseason polls, and fans are hoping for another deep run in the NCAA tournament. The players are under a lot of pressure to perform, but they seem ready for the challenge.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at the team's practices, locker room dynamics, and game preparation. They see Coach Few pushing his players to be their best, and they witness the players' dedication and hard work. It's clear that this team is focused and determined to succeed.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the team's trip to Maui for the Maui Invitational tournament. The tournament is one of the biggest early-season events in college basketball, and Gonzaga is facing some tough competition. The team's first game is against Pittsburgh, and the players are nervous but excited.

The game is a hard-fought battle, with both teams playing tough defense and taking advantage of their scoring opportunities. Gonzaga ultimately comes out on top, winning 73-63. The players are thrilled with their performance, and the win gives them a boost of confidence for the rest of the tournament.

The next game is against Texas A&M, another strong team. This game is even closer than the first, with both teams trading baskets and playing intense defense. In the end, Gonzaga pulls out a 62-61 victory, thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Kyle Wiltjer. The win is a huge moment for the team, and they advance to the championship game against Connecticut.

The championship game is a battle between two of the best teams in the tournament. Gonzaga plays tough defense, but they struggle to find their rhythm on offense. Connecticut pulls ahead in the second half, and Gonzaga is unable to mount a comeback. The final score is 73-70, with Connecticut taking home the trophy.

Despite the loss, the Gonzaga players are proud of their performance in the tournament. They know that they have a lot of work to do, but they are confident in their abilities. Coach Few is pleased with the team's effort, but he also sees areas where they need to improve. It's clear that the season ahead will be a challenge, but the team is ready to face it head-on.

Overall, the first episode of Gonzaga: The March to Madness is a great introduction to the team and their journey. Viewers get to see the players' personalities and work ethic, and they get a sense of the team's goals and aspirations. The Maui Invitational tournament is a great way to kick off the season, and it sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and challenging journey to the NCAA tournament.