A Duckling Profile: Arrion Springs to Life in the Fall

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

True freshman Arrion Springs may not start this year, but expect him to rise to prominence early in his collegiate career. The Oregon secondary not only lost three starters this season, but also standouts Brian Jackson and Avery Patterson. So the spot across from All-American defensive back, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, is wide open. Ironically enough, the Ducks landed four-star recruit Springs who shares a very similar …

Duckling Profile: The Awesome That is Wogan

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Anyone that has built a puzzle knows that absolutely every piece is needed in order for it to work. Without all of the pieces, a puzzle can never fully be complete. In the same way, Oregon football has been impressive the last several years, but there was always something missing — a kicker. And without a quality kicker, the Oregon …

A Duckling Profile: Taylor Alie and the Walk-on’s Dream

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Three years ago, Taylor Alie was a second-string high school quarterback. Last year he was fifth on the depth chart for the Oregon Ducks. This year he could be number two and heir to Marcus Mariota’s throne. Luck, combined with an infinite amount of drive and persistence, has allowed hometown hero Alie to rise from regular Eugene native to a nationally-ranked football team …

Robinson Ready to Romp

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon football team lost three great defenders for the upcoming season in Avery Patterson, Brian Jackson and Terrance Mitchell — but the good news is in the fresher faces. Redshirt freshman Tyree Robinson worked his tail off last year, and he told Yahoo Sports that “it’s time to step up.” With a hole to fill at the safety position, Robinson …

A Duckling Profile: Jordan Bell the Bug Zapper

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

One might believe that dark days lie ahead for the Oregon Men’s basketball team. This off-season has been unlike any other for Coach Dana Altman as several key players have been removed from the team, others are transferring and a few graduate in June. So instead of adding new pieces to the puzzle during this spring, the Ducks keep losing them. …

A Duckling Profile: Elgin Cook

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s the basketball off-season and, as per usual, Coach Dana Altman is out busy recruiting players from around the country to fit his scheme for the upcoming season. Around this time last year, Altman recruited the extremely talented, high-flying Elgin Cook from the JC ranks. This past season, Cook made a huge impact with the 2014 NCAA tournament-bound Ducks, and he is …

He’s Coming Basketball Fans — and You Will Know His Name — Abdul-Bassit

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Yeah, so it’s baseball season, and Oregon’s basketball campaign ended late last month, but it’s never too early (or too late) to learn more about our beloved basketball Ducks.  Although players A.J. Lapray and Ben Carter are transferring away, sharp shooting Jalil Abdul-Bassit remains.  He may not have received much action this past season, but in Abdul-Bassit’s limited role he …

Mike Moser — Took His Time Going but Hurried Back

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The University of Oregon men’s basketball team is just coming off of a rather spectacular season and the fans owe their gratitude, in part, to transfer forward Mike Moser. Although fellow transfer Joseph Young led the team in scoring, and point guard Johnathan Loyd controlled the pace, it was Moser that used his versatility and experience to hold the team …

Oregon Basketball Analysis: Altman’s Drive-and-Kick Schematic

Lawrence Hastings Coach's Opinion

In order to beat high quality basketball teams such as UCLA and Arizona, the Ducks must do more than just score in transition.  Although it’s obvious that Oregon excels on the break, they actually work a mean half-court game, as well.  Unbeknownst to the common observer, a large portion of the Ducks’ offensive set consists of the classic “drive-and-kick” offensive scheme. The …

Oregon Basketball Analysis: Free Throw Defense?!!

Lawrence Hastings Coach's Opinion

Basketball teams play free throw defense?  Yes!  Although very subtly, quality teams such as the Ducks, execute a defensive scheme every time the opponent steps to the line.  Free throw defense is important to the Oregon Men’s basketball team because they want to do two things: get out on the break and get buckets.  But to initiate their fast break, particularly off …

Oregon Basketball Analysis: Filling Lanes and Getting Buckets

Lawrence Hastings Coach's Opinion

Say what you will about the Oregon men’s basketball team, but one thing is for certain: they get buckets.  Oregon currently ranks 11th in the nation in points per game with a whopping 83.  So, how exactly do they do it?  The Ducks run a mean transition offense that consistently gets men to the rim or open looks from the arc. A …

Oregon Basketball Analysis: Pickin’ Apart the Wicked Opponent

Lawrence Hastings Editorials

Nobody likes their opponent.  Ducks’ players shake the opposing team’s hands at the end of every game as a show of sportsmanship, but is the common fan convinced there isn’t at least an ounce of animosity present?  The opponent’s job, goal and sole purpose is to defeat Oregon.  And in that, they are evil by nature and in practice.  The …