Clackamas alum Ben Gregg preparing for biggest role yet in NCAA Tournament

The forward is easily the most well-known Portland area player who is a lock to play in the NCAA Tournament this year.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It’s no surprise what Clackamas Cavaliers alum Ben Gregg has to say about his season thus far at Gonzaga.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I’d say, that’s the biggest thing. It’s been a lot of fun,” said Gregg at the WCC Tournament.

That’s because the forward has truly seen it all during his time in Spokane.

No playing time, a little playing time, role player — but midway through this season he finally got the spot he’s always coveted.

“Being able to start for this team has always been a dream of mine, and to do it this year has been awesome for me,” said Gregg.

Since he began starting for the Zags on January 18, the team has only dropped two contests.

Gregg is also fresh off one of his best performances of the season in the WCC semis, where he put up 17 points and 11 rebounds against San Francisco with all his field goals coming in the second half.

What’s even more impressive is his motor hasn’t changed one bit since his role shifted.

“That’s what got me on the court the first two years. I wasn’t playing as much. I kind of got my playing time based on doing that dirty work,” said Gregg. “I told myself this offseason, I figured I’d probably be playing more this year, but I didn’t want to stop doing the stuff that got me on the floor in the first place. I can’t let that stuff slide because it’s such an important part and this team needs it.”

It’s no surprise after reading things like that then that Gregg has become a massive fan favorite this year.

“To be able to represent these guys and have the fans show support is pretty cool because I was the biggest Gonzaga fan in the world when I was younger,” said Gregg, who was born in Spokane. “It is a dream come true. I know I say that a lot, but man, I’ve dreamt of these moments my whole life, and to be living them out right now is a blessing.”