Proving that it's never too early to start filling out NCAA brackets, SB Nation's Chris Dobbertean has released his Preseason Bracketology, and has the Gonzaga Bulldogs projected as the No. 5 seed in the West region.

Head coach Mark Few's squad posted a 26-7 record in 2011-12 and made it to the NCAA Tournament for the 13th consecutive year. With senior small forward Elias Harris and top scorer Kevin Pangos returning along with key contributors Kevin Bell, Sam Dower and Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga should remain a portrait of consistency. The 'Zags also added skilled seven-footer Przemek Karnowski, who averaged 13.2 points per game for Poland in the FIBA Under-19 World Championship last summer.

Dobbertean has Gonzaga slated to face the No. 12 Drexel Dragons in first round action.

The Bulldogs are set to open regular season play on Friday when they play host to the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT and the game will be televised on ROOT Sports.