NCAA Basketball: Biggest takeaways from 2018 2K Classic

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 20: Head coach Fran McCaffery of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts in the first half against the Villanova Wildcats during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 20, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: Bol Bol #1 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City.The Oregon Ducks defeated the Syracuse Orange 80-65. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Oregon Ducks (3rd place)

Biggest takeaway: Bol Bol is Oregon’s key to a successful season

It was a night and day performance for Payton Pritchard in the two games in the 2K Classic. He went 1/9 from the field in the loss to Iowa before rebounding to go 4/5 for 18 total points. The junior guard is considered one of the frontrunners for Pac-12 Player of the Year and still should be. However, it’s the 7’2 giant in the post that’ll determine Oregon‘s fate this season.

In the semifinals game versus Iowa, Bol Bol was outmatched in the paint by all of the Hawkeyes’ big men. He had four blocks but overall wasn’t the defensive presence the Ducks needed him to be. He was also good offensively but not enough to make a difference.

It was a different Bol against Syracuse, going for a season-high 26 points on 11/17 shooting. At times he was the focal point of the offense and broke down the Orange’s 2-3 zone with ease. Oregon will need him to continue being dominant down low, as fellow forwards Paul White and Francis Okoro look to be more of a role player than a true weapon.

Bol is still developing as a big man and will have his ups and downs throughout the season. But if it can all come together before March, the Ducks will be one of the last teams you want to face come the NCAA Tournament.

Home/Iowa Hawkeyes