Dan Monson, the man who literally helped coin “The Slipper Still Fits” back during Gonzaga’s legendary 1999 Elite Eight run, is not messing around with his new gig. Now the head coach of the Eastern Washington Eagles, Monson’s 2026-27 squad is diving headfirst into a non-conference slate that screams “Gonzaga playbook.” He’s stacking that first half of the season with road challenges, and it shows he means business for the Cheney program.
The Eagles’ Brutal Road Trip That Will Test Their Grit
Get ready, because Monson’s Eagles are hitting the road hard. Their non-conference schedule is absolutely loaded, featuring away games against the Stanford Cardinals, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, Utah Utes, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, Loyola Marymount Lions, and Wyoming Cowboys. That’s a gauntlet right there! Plus, they’ve got a neutral-site game locked in with the Washington State Cougars for the 509 Classic on Dec. 22 at the Spokane Arena. Monson isn’t just trying to win games early; he’s forging a team, putting them through the fire before conference play even begins. This kind of scheduling is a clear signal that he’s pulling inspiration from his past successes, demanding a high level of competition from the jump.
Monson’s Deep Dive Into Basketball’s Past and Present
Monson recently took a trip to Springfield, Massachusetts, to celebrate Mark Few’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction, a clear nod to his Gonzaga roots and the legacy he helped build. He also opened up about his move from Spokane to the Minnesota Golden Gophers job back in the day, giving us a peek into his career’s evolution. Monson didn’t shy away from talking about the current messy state of the NCAA either, showing he’s still deeply invested in the sport’s landscape. Learning from his dad, the late great Don Monson, in the Tri Cities, has clearly left a lasting impact, shaping a coach who understands the game inside and out.
Mark your calendars for Dec. 22, when Monson’s Eagles roll into the Spokane Arena for the 509 Classic against Washington State. You know he’ll have them ready for that battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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