Oregon Basketball: The most feared team in the Pac-12?

After a highly successful season, Oregon basketball will look to keep the ball rolling in 2016-17.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of articles to summarize this past season for every team in the Pac-12 conference. The series will start at the bottom of the conference with Washington State and we will work our way to top of the final standings with Oregon.

Beyond a final summary, I will attempt to provide some insights on each team as they approach the offseason in hopes of an improved 2016-2017 season.

2015-2016 Season

Overall Record: 31-7

Conference Record: 14-4

Final Conference Standing: First place

Conference Awards: Dana Altman (Pac-12 John R. Wooden Coach of the Year), Dillon Brooks (Pac-12 All-Conference: First Team), Elgin Cook (Pac-12 All-Conference: First Team), Chris Boucher (Pac-12 All-Conference: Honorable Mention, Pac-12 All-Defensive Team), Tyler Dorsey (Pac-12 All-Freshman Team)

Summary: Oregon had a great season as they earned their 14^th NCAA Tournament bid in the history of their program. This bid came in the form of a number one seed, something Oregon has never achieved.

The Ducks were most impressive against elite talent as they went undefeated against top 25 teams during the regular season. Their four conference losses came against Oregon State, Colorado, California and Stanford – all road games.

A big reason for their finish at the top of the Pac-12 standings was their ability to handle their business at home. The Ducks were unbeaten in Eugene, defeating the other top teams in the conference.

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While Oregon may not have a long history of NCAA Tournament appearances, things seem to be looking up with four consecutive tournament bids.

For Altman and company, this season was one for the history books. After making easy work of their opening round opponent, Holy Cross, Oregon would advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time since 2002.

In the Sweet 16, Oregon would defeat perennial NCAA powerhouse Duke pretty handily, 82-68. This win advanced Oregon to the Elite Eight to face Oklahoma and Naismith Player of the Year award winner, Buddy Hield. A win over Oklahoma would result in Oregon’s first Final Four appearance since 1939, the inaugural tournament that ended with Oregon earning their only National Championship.

Unfortunately for the Ducks, the Sooners’ offense was too much to handle and Oregon would fall, 80-68.

2016-2017 Season

Leaving: Dwayne Benjamin (senior), Max Heller (senior), Elgin Cook (senior), Dillon Brooks (NBA Draft declared – eligible to return), Tyler Dorsey (NBA Draft declared – eligible to return)

New Faces: Payton Pritchard (PG, 4-star recruit), Keith Smith (SF, 3-star recruit) Michael Cage Jr. (C, 3-star recruit), Kavell Bigby-Williams (PF, Junior College transfer)

Outlook: Oregon will enter the 2016-17 season as a possible top five team in the country and favorites to repeat as conference champions. They will need to fight off Arizona and other possible contenders, but this roster is loaded, especially if Brooks and Dorsey (who weren’t invited to the NBA Combine) return to school.

The Ducks will have high expectations due to their emerging talent, newfound experience and valuable versatility.

Brooks, Dorsey and Boucher will be the leaders of the show. Brooks was the leading scorer for the Ducks as a sophomore, Boucher served as the team’s rim protector this past season and Dorsey has confidence that he can play with the best of them on the offensive end.

If all three players are in the starting lineup on opening night, Oregon should fully expect to contend for the conference title and hope to land a two seed at the very least in next year’s NCAA Tournament.

Next: Wichita State set to embark on a new era

For now, Oregon basketball fans will have to play the waiting game, but this might be the most feared team in the entire Pac-12 Conference.

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