Oregon Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Ducks

Starters

Payton Pritchard– Pritchard is the lone returning starter from last season. The 6’2’’ sophomore outperformed expectations in his debut season, earning a substantial role on a veteran team. Pritchard averaged 7.4ppg and 3.6apg while sharing ball-handling duties with Benson and Ennis. Over the summer, Pritchard was a standout performer with the USA U-19 team which suggests he is poised for a larger role and a breakout season. He should have much more offensive responsibility as a sophomore and expect his scoring and assists to increase significantly. 14ppg and 5apg seem realistic for the talented lead guard.

Elijah Brown– Brown is probably best suited as an offensive spark plug off the bench, but it looks like he will begin the season in a starting role. At 6’4’’, he has great size for a combo guard and his ability to create offense and handle the ball will pay dividends for Oregon. Brown put up huge numbers (18.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.1apg) at New Mexico as a volume scorer, but he will have to accept a smaller role in the Oregon offense. If Brown can improve his shot selection and his efficiency, then he will be a great fit, but he must change his ball-dominant habits from his time at the mid-major level.

Troy Brown– Brown is a 5-star recruit and potential one-and-done talent who will give Oregon great lineup flexibility. Brown has PG skills, but at 6’7’’, can play multiple positions. He provides the Ducks with an additional distributor and should be a double-figure scorer in his first season in Eugene.

MiKyle McIntosh– McIntosh is a grad transfer who played his first three seasons at Illinois St. The 6’7’’ combo forward was one of the best players at the mid-major level and averaged 12.5ppg and 5.6rpg last season. McIntosh has a versatile skill set as he can play both inside and out. He is strong enough to guard power forwards and quick enough to guard small forwards which makes him incredibly valuable. He is a matchup nightmare offensively since he can attack off the dribble from the high post, shoot from the perimeter, and post up smaller players. Expect McIntosh to be among the most impactful transfers in the entire country.

Paul White– White is a natural face-up four man who will probably see most of his time at center in an offensive-centric lineup. White started his career at Georgetown but opted to transfer after suffering injuries and falling behind Marcus Derrickson and Isaac Copeland in the rotation. He has the ability to stretch the floor which will pull opposing big men away from the basket and create driving lanes for the guards, but his lack of physicality could hurt the Ducks, especially on the glass. Expect around 8ppg and 4-5rpg for the skilled big man.