Oregon Basketball: Why Ducks are sleeper Final Four team in 2019-20

Oregon Basketball defeated Memphis last night 82-74 in front of a pro-Ducks fan base in Portland as part of the Phil Knight Invitational. Here’s what has been most impressive from the Ducks so far.

Depth

Led by senior point guard, Payton Pritchard, this team is 2-3 deep at every position. While Memphis, Duke, and Kentucky got the majority of the recruiting headlines coming into the season, Oregon Basketball actually had the 4th-best recruiting class in the country. Chandler Lawson and C.J. Walker are both long and athletic and can guard multiple positions. Addison Patterson is 6’6” but plays on the perimeter.

Dana Altman didn’t just snag freshmen. The addition of junior college star, Chris Duarte, provides wing depth at multiple spots. New Mexico transfer, Anthony Mathis, is 13/18 from the three-point line in three games and played with Pritchard in high school. Versatile UNLV grad transfer, Shakur Juiston, scored 17 last night. Last, the crown jewel of the class, N’Faly Dante, won’t even suit up until their 10th game of the season.

Versatility

This is potentially the most versatile squad in the country. Why? The Ducks have multiple guys that shoot the deep ball. Mathis could be the best long-range gunner in the country, while Will Richardson, a sophomore guard, is about as cool and collected as they come. While Memphis superstar, James Wiseman, was limited by foul trouble, Oregon’s depth had something to do with that, as they were able to rotate 3-4 fresh bodies to defend him. Oregon also played several defenses last night: zone, man, and both full and ¾ court pressure. For many schools, an off night for their stars will result in a loss. Through three games, this team has six guys (six!) averaging more than eight points per game.

Coaching

Dana Altman is one of the most underrated coaches in the country. Over the past five seasons, he’s 138-49, which is an average of 27.6 wins per year. He’s developed a great recruiting pipeline in Canada, with guys like Dillon Brooks and Chris Boucher. Now, freshman Addison Patterson looks every bit the part to the next Canadian star wearing an Oregon uniform.

To sum it up, this team is talented, deep, and well-coached. They’ll be playing in the Battle for Atlantis, November 27-29, and will face Seton Hall and most likely, Gonzaga. Altman knows he has a squad. In a couple of weeks, the rest of the country will know too.