Busting Brackets
Fansided

Oregon Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beating the Memphis Tigers

By Connor Hope

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: The Oregon Ducks mascot celebrates after defeating the UC Irvine Anteaters during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. Oregon defeated UC Irvine 73-54. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: The Oregon Ducks mascot celebrates after defeating the UC Irvine Anteaters during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. Oregon defeated UC Irvine 73-54. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Tommy Rutherford #42 of the UC Irvine Anteaters competes for the ball with Francis Okoro #33 of the Oregon Ducks in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Tommy Rutherford #42 of the UC Irvine Anteaters competes for the ball with Francis Okoro #33 of the Oregon Ducks in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The availability of Francis Okoro

Honestly, the biggest key to this game, may not even be strategic. The Oregon Ducks do not really have a shot at this game unless Francis Okoro is able to go at close to 100% from the entire 40 minutes. Not only is Okoro the starting center for the Ducks, but he is also probably the only player big enough to go toe-to-toe with Memphis freshman James Wiseman in the paint.

After missing the game against Boise State due to injuries sustained from being hit by a car, Okoro could be the difference between a competitive contest and a complete mismatch. Payton Pritchard, Anthony Mathis and Chris Duarte can handle the load on offense, but Okoro will need to be a factor in the paint and on the boards to give Oregon a shot.

Okoro was expected to play a huge role in the Duck’s success this season, especially until N’Faly Dante becomes eligible in December. The injury he sustained could be a huge setback for the Ducks if he is not able to return fully healthy soon.

Okoro is not only the sole true physical matchup against Wiseman, but he also gives the Ducks valuable depth in the frontcourt to handle the inevitable foul trouble that Wiseman will cause. Even if he is not at 100%, the Ducks could rely on Okoro as an extra body to help give the healthier players some rest.

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