Many viewers and even coaches like to talk about “age” as a big factor. Competing at the high school level differs enormously compared to a Division I college level. But for some, like Damyean Dotson, age is nothing but a number. Only in his sophomore season at Oregon, Dotson has come off of an impressive freshmen year and is continuing that success into his second year.
Dotson showing his range . . .
He not only started in 36 of 37 games his first season, but also produced big numbers for a freshman. However, when you are ranked second on the team in scoring with 11 points per game and fourth in rebounding with 3 per game, age is not a barrier that needs to be overcome. Dotson has continued his press box scores averaging 11 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game this season. One advantage of being a younger palyer is that continued improvement is only going to bring him more success.
. . . taking it inside . . .
Before Dotson started his career at Oregon he played prep basketball at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas. In his senior season he was captain of the team and averaged 21 points and 5 rebounds per game. Additionally, the Houston Chronicle named him 2012 Greater Houston Player of the Year and he was selected All-District 21, All-Region 3 and 4A All-State after his impressive senior year.
Dotson is very well equipped for playing on a big stage, scoring 26 points in the semifinal round of the state tournament, bringing JYHS to the title game where he scored another 23 points. In his junior season he averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds and was recognized as the District 21 Newcomer of the Year and an all-district performer. Dotson was a member of the JYHS team that was recognized as the No. 1-ranked prep team in the nation for 2009-10. Dotson went to two state title games during his high school career, his sophomore and senior seasons.
. . . and using his length to overcome defenders.
In his freshmen season at Oregon he was named to the 2013 Kyle Macy Freshman All-American Team. Dotson averaged 14.7 points per game for the Pac-12 tournament and was selected to the All-Tournament team. After the regular season Dotson was also named part of Pac-12 Freshman team. He scored in double digits 22 times, six of which were consecutive games at the end of the season, including shooting a very impressive 33 percent from behind the arc.
Standing 6-foot-5, 209 pounds, Dotson has a unique game, having no problem scoring inside or outside and is able to grab his share of rebounds, as well. His game makes him hard to guard because of his ability to score beyond the arc or finish inside. This year he scored a season-high 16 points against 20th-ranked Colorado and 10 points against both Stanford and Cal. The season is well on its way and Oregon started off strong but has experienced a few tough losses recently.
The Ducks are excited to have a young player like Damyean Dotson. He is still developing in his collegiate career and has much to look forward to in the two-and-a-half seasons he has left. He should continue growing and developing into a dominant and important player for the Ducks.
Top photo by Kevin Cline
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Alex Legarza is a junior at the University of Oregon studying business and media studies. Born and raised in San Francisco, Alex has fallen in love with Bay Area Sports and now the Ducks. She has a devoted passion to sports, growing up playing basketball, volleyball, and soccer and continuing to play basketball and volleyball at the high school varsity level. There is nothing Alex loves more than watching her favorite teams perform or actively playing sports herself. When she is not involved in sports, Alex likes to lead an active lifestyle with traveling and spending time with family and friends. After college Alex is looking to pursue a career in the sports industry.