MiKyle McIntosh chooses Oregon, Ducks now Pac-12 contenders?

Illinois State’s MiKyle McIntosh finally chose a new destination, but will he immediately make the Oregon Ducks contenders in the Pac-12?

The Oregon Ducks received great news as highly-coveted Illinois State Redbirds’ transfer MiKyle McIntosh has decided to take his talents to Eugene.

Last season, McIntosh averaged 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Redbirds. The 6’7, 234-pound forward will be immediately eligible and immediately slide into the starting lineup.

But could McIntosh’s addition make the Ducks a favorite in the Pac-12 next season?

Perhaps he could make them one of the favorites.

There are two teams who should be the clear favorites at the top of the Pac-12 next season, the Arizona Wildcats and USC Trojans.

Both return a plethora of talent from last season, as well as bring in a group of solid recruits. Arizona is the clear favorite due to the return of arguably the best returning player in the Pac-12, Allonzo Trier, but USC is a close second with so many minutes returning.

Behind those two teams, however, it is a bit of a free for all. Oregon could easily be that third team and, if Arizona and USC were to cannibalize each other, could sneak into the top spot heading into the conference tournament.

Next: Other available transfers

While last year’s team was clearly better on paper, do not count out this Oregon squad heading into the 2017-18 season – especially now that McIntosh will be a part of the Ducks’ starting five.