Busting Brackets
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Pac-12 Basketball: Ducks to remain the league’s best

By Carmine Carcieri

March 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman celebrates after cutting down the net after the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Utah Utes at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Ducks defeated the Utes 88-57. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman celebrates after cutting down the net after the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Utah Utes at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Ducks defeated the Utes 88-57. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dwayne Benjamin (0) and forward Dillon Brooks (24) celebrate the 82-68 victory against Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dwayne Benjamin (0) and forward Dillon Brooks (24) celebrate the 82-68 victory against Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oregon Ducks

2015-16 record: 28-6 overall, 14-4 in Pac-12, reached Elite Eight of NCAA Tournament

Head coach: Dana Altman

Key returning players: Dillon Brooks, Tyler Dorsey, Chris Boucher, Jordan Bell, Casey Benson, Roman Sorkin

Newcomers: Four-star PG Payton Pritchard, three-star SF Keith Smith, three-star C Michael Cage Jr., JUCO transfer PF Kavell Bigby-Williams, Villanova transfer PG Dylan Ennis (sat out the majority of last season)

With three of their top five scorers back from last season’s Elite Eight team, the Oregon Ducks have their best opportunity to reach the program’s first Final Four since 1939.

Must Read: Can anyone challenge Villanova in the Big East?

Dana Altman’s squad has depth, experience, talent and versatility.

While Oregon has to adjust their role allocation early in the season, the biggest concern comes from Dillon Brooks’ foot injury. Brooks had surgery on an unknown injury during the summer and did not participate in any workouts.

According to FanRag Sports, Brooks is now participating in light workouts and is making progress. However, there is still no timetable for his return and it is looking like he will miss the beginning of the season.

But it’s not only about how many games Brooks will miss. It’s about how healthy he will be once he steps on the court. Is he going to be 100 percent at all this season? If he isn’t that seriously impacts Oregon’s national status.

Brooks is the team’s top player, as his ability to play numerous positions and score from all spots on the court makes him a mismatch nightmare. Oregon’s spread offense isn’t the same without Brooks because the team doesn’t have Elgin Cook any more, or any other versatile wings to replace him.

Tyler Dorsey is a terrific guard. Chris Boucher is a unique specimen as a big man (he can shoot and block shots). Casey Benson never turns it over. Jordan Bell is an athletic shot blocker who needs to develop on offense. Kavell Bigby-Williams is one of the best JUCO transfers in the country. Dylan Ennis will provide more stability at the point guard position. And even the freshman have promise.

Next: In-depth Big Ten preview

But the Ducks will not be the same team without Brooks. They must get him back healthy and rolling. And if they do, they have a shot to cut down the nets in March.

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