Recruiting
Visits
Incoming senior quarterback Vernon Adams may not be the last transfer to sign with Oregon for the upcoming campaign. Matt Hegarty (South Bend, IN), former center and guard for Notre Dame, was in and around Autzen Stadium this past weekend, and is thought to be interested in joining Steve Greatwood’s rotation. A former four-star recruit out of the Southwest, Hegarty started 11 games for the Irish this past season and figures to finish out his collegiate playing days at center, a position of uncertainty for the Ducks. Hegarty’s bruising, yet athletic style would place him in instant contention to be the day one starter come fall. Standing 6-foot-4, 300 lbs., Hegarty also has the technical polish to couple with athleticism rare even by Oregon’s standards.
News
Moving from the turf to the hardwood: Head coach Dana Altman is looking to plug holes with what the transfer market has to offer. An integral cog at Villanova, recently graduated guard Dylan Ennis (Villanova, PA) is leaving the East and has his eyes set on greener pastures, possibly those of the Kelly green shade.
“I am interested in Oregon, oh yeah,” said Ennis. “They just lost Joseph Young who was the Pac-12 Player of the Year and a guy who did a lot for them. Seeing the type of season he had, why wouldn’t I be interested in Oregon?”
Oregon’s ace in the hole, assistant coach Mike Mennenga, has a longtime relationship with the Ennis’ family and could pay dividends in bringing the 6-foot-2, 194 lb. guard to Eugene.
“I’ve had the ability to know coach Mennenga for a while now. My father and him [sic] go back to when (Mennenga) was at Buffalo and that’s just across the water from Toronto. When I was growing up and playing high school ball we’d always stop over to see him. We are good. He’s a good guy and it is nice knowing he’s at Oregon.”
Another connection, one that has routinely produced sound results, is Altman’s far north connection to Canadian-born hoopsters. Current Oregon center, Dillon Brooks made a name for himself late in the season and could spur fellow countryman Ennis to journey west.
“Me and Dillon [sic] know each other. He’s been a big help with my interest in Oregon. We’ve spoken a few times about Oregon and I’ve picked his brain. He’s had nothing but great things to say about Oregon, either on the phone or when he’s come back to Canada.”
Finally, if the surname Ennis sounds familiar, the younger Ennis is a student of his brother, former Syracuse guard and current Milwaukee Bucks point guard Tyler Ennis.
Due to his academic graduation, Ennis can suit up immediately and figures to be an instant starter if he makes his way to Oregon, stay tuned!
Top photo by Kevin Cline
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Mark Flores, a Salem, OR resident, is a Firefighter/Paramedic and an avid Oregon Ducks fan. Prior to the fire service, Flores, a graduate of nearby Corban University, spent over seven years in professional journalism including a stint at the Statesman Journal in Salem and held the position of Sports Editor for the Hilltop News (Corban). A career transition however never dampened his love of writing and FishDuck is now his source to share his love of Mighty Oregon. Flores brings detailed knowledge of Oregon recruiting to the FishDuck team and welcomes your feedback.
