Busting Brackets
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Oregon Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class for the Ducks

By Lukas Harkins

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Oregon Ducks fans look on in the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Oregon Ducks fans look on in the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks reacts. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks reacts. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Francis Okoro – Normal, IL

Center | 6-foot-9 | 225 lbs | No. 45 overall (in 2019 class)

The latest addition to this recruiting class, Francis Okoro officially reclassified to the 2018 recruiting class on July 23. While in the 2019 class, Okoro was ranked as the No. 45 overall recruit in the country. At 6-foot-9, he does not have tremendous size for the center position but he makes up for with excellent athleticism and instincts. Well-known as a defensive stud, Okoro will add yet another interior presence to an already imposing Oregon frontcourt for the 2018-19 season.

Okoro has a long wingspan that allows him to wreak havoc on opposing players attempting to score. With those long arms and outstanding shot-blocking instincts, it is no wonder why he projects as an elite defender at the college level. However, he is more than just a defender. With one of the best motors in the recruiting class, Okoro can wear opponents down with his non-stop energy on both ends. He runs the floor extremely well and can play above the rim offensively.

On the prep circuit last spring and summer, Okoro played in 23 games for Brad Beal Elite. During this season, he averaged 8.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. In addition, he was highly efficient from the floor, finishing on nearly 60% of his shot attempts. However, his poor foul shooting (55.7% on 61 FTA) could use some work.

In regards to his playing time at Oregon, though, that remains to be seen. The Ducks already have several talented frontcourt players on the roster, including two incoming freshmen as well returning players Kenny Wooten and Paul White. Because of this, it may be difficult for Okoro to find a substantial role right way. Nonetheless, he is certainly talented and will find a spot in due time.

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