NCAA Basketball: Top small forwards for 2016-17 season

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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March 26, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) moves to the basket to score against Oklahoma Sooners during the first half of the West regional final of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dillon Brooks, Oregon

2015-16 Season
16.7 PPG
5.4 RPG
3.1 APG

Dillon Brooks exploded onto the scene in 2014 playing over 28 minutes a game as a freshman, averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He helped Oregon to a 26-10 record, a second-place finish in the Pac-12, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon would eventually fall to top-seeded Wisconsin in the Round of 32, leaving the Ducks hungry for more the following season.

Oregon head coach Dana Altman knew he had a special group of players, with a balance of skill and experience, that could make a deep run in March in 2015-16. Led by Brooks, senior forward Elgin Cook, junior transfer Chris Boucher, and star freshman Tyler Dorsey, the Ducks would achieve the winningest season in Oregon basketball history.

As a sophomore, Brooks logged nearly 33 minutes a game, averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He was named to the Pac-12 All-Conference First Team and Dana Altman was voted Pac-12 Coach of the Year.

Perhaps the high point of Brooks’ season (and career) was the Ducks’ 82-68 Sweet 16 win over the Duke Blue Devils. Brooks led his team to victory behind his 22 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Maybe even more interesting was the interaction that took place after the game between Brooks and Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Nearing the end of the game with the shot clock winding down, Brooks took a deep three before time (on the shot clock, not the game clock) expired. He hit the shot and let out an exuberant yell.

Krzyzewski clearly took exception to the shot and had no problem telling Brooks after the game as they shook hands. Brooks later went on record with the media about how Coach K scolded him after the game for poor sportsmanship.

Next: Breaking down Wake Forests' starting lineup

Brooks returns to an Oregon squad with as much talent and depth as any team in the Pac-12, and should be the early favorites to win the conference in 2017. The Ducks will be hungry to defend their 2016 title and build on their NCAA Tournament success with another strong showing next March.

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