Gonzaga head coach Mark Few took a mix of transfers, freshmen and veterans to the program's first Final Four and subsequent national title game.

Six of his eight primary players weren't even on the Bulldogs' active roster a year ago.

Few's wondrous job of jelling the group to the best record in Division I basketball, followed by a deep NCAA tournament run, earned him both Associated Press and Naismith Coach of the Year honors.

A 71-65 loss to North Carolina in Monday's national championship game ended the Zags' dream season, which included a program-best 37-2 mark.

Press readers thanked the 18-year coach for taking the Zags to new heights. Here’s a sampling.

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Gonzaga shocked the NCAA this year with a 37-2 record, finally making it to the championship, and Few's 500-win milestone. To have all of those accomplishments come together in one season is incredible. It is obvious that he cares about his players and Gonzaga so for that I thank you Mr. Few for making Gonzaga your home. — Jason Bentcik, Gonzaga Class of 2006

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Thanks, Coach Few, for taking these Zags to an unimaginable height. — Frank Granier, Gonzaga Class of 1970

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This season has allowed me to spend quality time with my three boys watching and rooting for the Zags and for that I am grateful. For a few hours I am able to focus on the wonderful accomplishments of others rather than their failures, which is rare in the life of a county prosecutor. — Jed Whitaker, Gonzaga graduate

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Gonzaga is amazing. They are not only holding their own, but surpassing notorious programs, and for that we are so proud of all the hard work it took to make it that far. Thanks, Coach Few! — Courtney Gillihan, Gonzaga graduate

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Thank you, Coach Few and team, for the opportunity to follow a wonderful season! As much I enjoy the basketball, I most appreciate that you are collectively a group that fans can respect — a class act in all regards. Best wishes for the future to all! — Jan Moseley, Gonzaga MBA 2001

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Mark Few is a great coach and finally got the recognition he deserves. His humble thanks for the awards he received this year, sharing the recognition with previous and current coaches and the giving accolades to the team players, this year and previous years, should be a lesson for all coaches of any athletic team. — Maggie Lyon, Coeur d'Alene

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Throughout the regular season and into the NCAA Tournament, the Zags consistently demonstrated perseverance. They gave it their absolute all in their bid for the national championship. Even in those final minutes with North Carolina, they were still in the game. I am certain your players are disappointed that they did not win the title, but they need to know how proud we all are of all of them. No excuses. No finger pointing. No regrets. It was a stellar year. — Cynthia Kirkley, PostFalls

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Proud of you guys! — Brad Finney, Coeur d'Alene

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Thank you and all the team for a wonderful season. You are all winners! — Sue Thordarson, Coeur d'Alene