NCAA Basketball: 8 programs with rough starts to 2023 offseason

4. Oregon Ducks

Not too long ago, Coach Dana Altman was one of the biggest threats on the recruiting trail in NCAA Basketball and had Oregon as one of the top contenders. He’s still bringing in talent, including five-star wings commits, Kwame Evans, and Mookie Cook. The problem is that there isn’t much to go along with them at the moment.

The issue for Oregon is that there isn’t much going with them. They do return N’Faly Dante, their starting big man of last season. But it came at the cost of Kel’el Ware, a former five-star prospect that recently transferred out to Indiana this offseason. And Quincy Guerrier, who started 57 games for the team in the past two seasons, has entered the portal as well.

So not only does Oregon have work to do in the frontcourt but also in the backcourt. Lead guard Will Richardson had no eligibility left, along with Jermaine Cousinard. With just Keeshawn Barthélémy returning, there’s a clear lack of shooting and experienced ball-handlers. The hope is that they can land Northern Colorado transfer Dalton Knecht but haven’t pulled off a commitment yet.

And with the predictions starting to flow in for Bronny James at USC, Oregon has become an early loser so far this offseason. Never count out Coach Altman but there’s a lot of work to be done.