Oregon Basketball: Key takeaways from the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis

2. N’Faly Dante raises the ceiling.

Oregon features plenty of talent in the backcourt and on the wings. And while their frontcourt brings physicality to the court, especially with Shakur Juiston, they lack a true star at the center spot. Francis Okoro has done a fairly solid job holding down the starting spot so far, but he is not a real threat offensively or as a shot-blocker. He is mostly known as a glass-cleaner and he is quite solid in that role. Yet, the Ducks need a true big man to really reach their potential this season and N’Faly Dante will fill that role.

The five-star freshman was held out for the beginning of this season due to “clearance issues” but he was recently declared eligible moving forward. Ranked as the No. 14 overall player in the 2019 recruiting class, Dante should instantly fill the starring role at the center spot for Oregon. Although he might not be a floor-spacer at the position, he is a long and physical 6-foot-11 big with the ability to score in the paint as well as alter shots at the rim defensively.

Considering Dante reclassified in order to play this season, fans were recently able to see him take the court on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer. While playing for MOKAN Elite (KS), he dominated the paint en route to averages of 15.8 points (72.2% FG), 10.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was particularly excellent in the EYBL Championship Game as he carried his team to the title by posting 22 points, 18 rebounds, and two blocks. He was named tournament MVP.

It is no secret that Dante will be one of the best first-year centers in the country this season and he fills possibly the only major hole in Oregon’s rotation. He should be the final piece of the puzzle that makes the Ducks a legitimate national title contender. Nobody should be underrating the importance of his addition to the floor for Coach Altman.