Mark Few: From Pickleball Secrets to Hall of Fame Glory

INDIANAPOLIS – Thirty minutes after Mark Few’s announcement as a 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, a confession is in order. Standing near the stage on Saturday, Few readily admits to bending the rules during his time at Gonzaga – willingly, even enthusiastically.

The story unfolds from the 2021 NCAA tournament, held in a strict bubble in Indianapolis amidst the pandemic. The rules were clear: no contact, no fraternization between teams. Gonzaga was isolated for 33 days. Few reveals a playful rebellion against the restrictions.

The ‘Speakeasy’ Pickleball Tournament

“Now that the statute of limitations has run out,” Few confessed with a smile, “I can freely admit we built a pickleball court in our team room, conveniently next to Baylor’s in the Convention Center. We called it the ‘Speakeasy’ tournament. You had to knock, and we’d check who it was before letting them in. We even had a cooler full of refreshments after each game. It was our way of coping with the isolation.”

The irony? Gonzaga and Baylor would ultimately face off in the national championship game. Before that showdown, their coaches, Few and Scott Drew, formed an unbeatable pickleball doubles team.

Building a Legacy at Gonzaga

Few’s Hall of Fame induction comes as no surprise. He boasts one of the highest winning percentages among active coaches and has led Gonzaga to an astounding 26 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and two national championship game berths. He transformed Gonzaga from a little-known mid-major program into a national powerhouse. The program’s rise is a testament to his dedication and vision.

Reflecting on his journey, Few recalls his humble beginnings in Creswell, Oregon, a town of just 1,500 people. “It didn’t even seem possible,” he admits. “You just keep working, grinding, and trying to get better. This Hall of Fame recognition is a validation of the entire Gonzaga story – a sign that we’ve been accepted at the highest level.”

A Proud Mentor

Adding to the weekend’s significance, Few is in Indianapolis to support his former long-time assistant, Tommy Lloyd, who led Arizona to the Final Four. Their partnership spanned over 20 years, a testament to their shared passion and success.

“I probably underestimated the feeling,” Few shared, “but seeing Tommy’s game that got him here really hit me. It’s a culmination of everything.”

The Early Days and a Lasting Partnership

Few recounts a story from 1999, when he transitioned from assistant to head coach at Gonzaga. He initially questioned the presence of Lloyd, who had been “hanging around” for two months without a formal role. It turned out Dan Monson, the previous coach, had promised a spot to Lloyd through a connection at Walla Walla Community College.

Few embraced Lloyd, encouraging him to focus on international recruiting. The two never looked back. He emphasizes Lloyd’s work ethic, honed during their early days at Gonzaga where “everything” needed to be done.

Staying Power and Connection to Players

Few credits Arizona’s decision to hire Lloyd in 2021 as “brilliant,” another validation of the Gonzaga program’s impact. He notes that assistant coaches rarely land high-level head coaching jobs, especially those from Gonzaga.

Few’s longevity at Gonzaga is also remarkable. “I have 38 years of players I’m connected to,” he says. “I’m not someone who’s bounced around to three different schools and lost touch.” He recalls inviting every former Gonzaga player to the 2017 Final Four in Phoenix, creating a powerful moment for his current team.

Loyalty and Inspiration

Few’s loyalty mirrors that of his father, a Presbyterian minister who served the same small town of Creswell for 54 years. “Don’t mess with happy,” Few often says, echoing his contentment at Gonzaga. He believes Tommy Lloyd embodies the same principle.

Despite opportunities, including a potential move to North Carolina in 2021, Few remained committed to Gonzaga. He laments that the 2021 championship game, a loss to Baylor, was played without a full crowd due to COVID restrictions, denying his team the atmosphere they deserved.

Full Circle Moment

Now, witnessing Lloyd’s success at Arizona, returning to Indianapolis for the Final Four, feels like a “full circle” moment for Few. A testament to a shared journey, a lasting partnership, and a legacy built on dedication, innovation, and a little bit of pickleball.

Source: ESPN