Pac-12 Basketball: Way-Too-Early Pac-12 Power Rankings

4) Oregon Ducks

2016-2017 Record: 29-5 (16-2, T-1^st Pac-12)

Head Coach: Dana Altman, 8^th Season

Departures: Dylan Ennis, Tyler Dorsey, Jordan Bell, Dillon Brooks, Chris Boucher, Casey Benson

Returning Players: Payton Pritchard, Roman Sorkin

Key Additions: Elijah Brown (Transfer, New Mexico), MiKyle McIntosh (Transfer, Illinois State), Michael Cage (Redshirt Freshman), Troy Brown, Victor Bailey, Kenny Wooten, Abu Kigab

Analysis:

After losing pretty much everyone from last season’s Final Four squad, the Oregon Ducks will rely on a talented group of transfers and freshman this season. With Payton Pritchard and Roman Sorkin representing the only returning player who averaged more than 10 minutes per game, chemistry will be the biggest question.

Fans should not expect too huge a drop, as the talent coming to Eugene will most likely keep them in the top half of the conference. When searching for a potential leader, look no further than Oregon’s two transfers Elijah Brown and MiKyle McIntosh. Brown recorded 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season, with New Mexico. McKintosh also played well, putting up 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds for Illinois State.

Joining these two transfers is a solid group of freshman, including Troy Brown, Victor Bailey, and Michael Cage, a 2016 recruit.

This great incoming talent should be enough to help Oregon return to the tournament this season. However, if the chemistry isn’t there, don’t be surprised if Oregon is one of last season’s Final Four teams that get left out.