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Oregon Basketball: Oregon Ducks 2015-16 Season Preview

By David Thompson

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Oregon Ducks

2014-2015 Record: 26-10 (13-5, Pac-12)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament – Second Round

Oregon has long been known as a football school. They have had mild success in the past but when it comes to basketball royalty in the Pac-12 it’s Arizona and UCLA and then everyone else.

But a funny thing has happened over the last few years. Somewhat quietly Dana Altman has taken the Ducks to three consecutive NCAA tournaments.

Since Altman has taken over, the Ducks have only finished out of the top three in the Pac-12 once in 2010-2011 (Altman’s first year in Eugene).

Despite losing their best player, Joseph Young, to the NBA, the Ducks look to continue their impressive streak of success this season.

Newcomers

G – Tyler Dorsey (#28 247Sports Composite)
G – Kendall Small (#99 247Sports Composite)
F – Chris Boucher (#11 247Sports Composite)
G – Dylan Ennis (transfer from Villanova)
F – Trevor Manuel (#113 247Sports Composite)

Key Non-Conference Games

Nov. 16 vs Baylor – – It is rare for two power conference teams to meet so early in the season but when the pre-season top 25 Baylor Bears travel to Eugene both teams will be looking for a statement win.

Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks /

Oregon Ducks

The game will also be featured on ESPN’s 24-hour College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon. Only adding to the intrigue is Villanova transfer Dylan Ennis ultimately chose Oregon over Baylor.

Dec. 4 vs. UNLV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena – While Valpo may provide the more difficult challenge, this contest against UNLV holds huge recruiting implications. Dave Rice is a master recruiter, but hasn’t quite put it all together and made a run in the NCAA.

Altman has shown he can get the interest of top West Coast talent as well. The Rebels will be looking to grab a “W” over a Power 5 team, while Oregon will be hoping to prove that they are a top program in the west.

Dec. 12 at Boise State – This could be a trap game for the Ducks. Leon Rice has been building a strong program in Boise, and his team is picked to finish second in the Mountain West. They will be looking to get a signature win over a NCAA tournament team, and I expect the crowd to be “Living Mas” at a packed Taco Bell Arena (I didn’t know the Broncos played in Taco Bell Arena until today and I’m pretty excited about it).

Key Players

Elgin Cook

– The RS Senior will be the top returning scorer for the Ducks. The 6’6” PF started every game for Dana Altman last season averaging 13 points and 5.2 rebounds per game earning second team All-Pac 12. Cook will need to step up and be the leader on a veteran team that lost its top scorer from last season in order for this team to have the success they want and expect.

Dylan Ennis

– Oregon is not going to get just one guy to come in and replace Joseph Young’s production, but getting a very productive Ennis will help a great deal. Ennis’ greatest attribute may be his leadership especially if this team makes a run in March.

Season Outlook

While there is some consensus that the Pac-12 will be Arizona’s to lose, each of the pre-season top 5 schools received at least one first-place vote. Oregon has a difficult non-conference schedule, and will be counting on newcomers for key minutes, but if Dana Altman has proved anything it’s that he can win. If the Ducks don’t finish in the top four of the Pac-12 it could be considered a disappointing season. Good news for Oregon fans is that I don’t see that happening. Look for the Ducks to be dancing come March.

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