Oregon Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Ducks

Season Outlook

Last season did not live up to expectations in Eugene, but the buildup and chemistry of this year’s team might take them back right where they want to be. Again, we’re talking about a team that’s been to the Final Four and Elite Eight in the last six years, and one that’s done fantastic work against a relatively weak Pac-12. There’s no reason for panic with the Ducks, but does that mean we can expect another kind of deep postseason run?

Will Richardson gives the Ducks a great starting point, and he’ll be a likely candidate for the Pac-12 First Team. There are a few new faces in the backcourt that should provide a certain boost to this roster. When you consider those two big men, including a five-star prospect in Ware, then there should be more than enough talent and size down low for this Oregon team to be successful.

The major question is how all these pieces work together this season. On paper, Oregon has the talent to be a top 25 for much of the year and to contend for another Pac-12 title. UCLA and Arizona both have high expectations with impressive rosters and recent success, but there’s no reason to write off the Ducks. Altman has led this program to fantastic seasons with less talent on the roster.

It’s hard to say what exactly we should expect out of Oregon this season. It seems silly to bet against an Altman team; he’s proven time and time again his ability to put together winning teams, and that was true long before joining Oregon. Defense took a step backwards last season, and the offense struggled at times. If Oregon’s defense gets back on track, maybe they will find their way into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in eight years.