Elijah Brown Commits, and Dana Altman’s 2017 Recruiting Class Is Looking Amazing

Bob Rickert Editorials

Oregon landed a huge commitment from forward Kenny Wooten this past week but wasn’t able to secure Brandon McCoy. But never fear with coach Dana Altman and his staff, there are more recruits on the way. Elijah Brown has committed to Oregon, and the Ducks now have three big time starters for next season. What Is It’s amazing that Oregon’s now …

Payton Pritchard Shoots to Lead Ducks Basketball

Bob Rickert Editorials

Never has there been a sport where a team’s future can change so quickly year after year after year. Just 12 months ago, the addition of Payton Pritchard seemed like a great get for Coach Dana Altman and his Oregon staff. After all, they had Dylan Ennis, Casey Benson, and Tyler Dorsey, who could all play the point. And even …

Dorsey Declares for Draft, Searches for Agent. What’s Next for Oregon Basketball?

Bob Rickert Editorials

Just as it did last year, the next few months will determine a lot about how far Oregon’s roster can take the Duck basketball team in 2017-18. Here’s a guide to what we know, rumors we’ve heard and what’s likely to happen. What We Know The departures of Chris Boucher and Dylan Ennis will open up two scholarships. Three more …

Oregon Ducks Basketball Even Better Next Year? Maybe.

Bob Rickert Editorials

Processing what just happened in Arizona may take a little while, but Oregon’s coaches are undoubtedly ready to turn the page and get on with continuing to build the program. With a little luck like they had last year, the 2017-18 Ducks could have even more depth, experience and talent. It’s incredible but true. We’ll take the stance that everyone …

Looking Back at Oregon’s Best Basketball Season in 78 Years

Bob Rickert Editorials

We all remember the losses and as coach Dana Altman said, ‘This one’s going to hurt for awhile.’ But there’s so much to be proud of this team for, and so much to look ahead to. The pre-season Oregon started the season with Chris Boucher on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Injuries hit them early, and they played without Dillon …

Oregon’s Final Four Loss to North Carolina in a Nutshell

Bob Rickert Analysis

Oregon didn’t lose to North Carolina because they didn’t block out at the end. They didn’t lose because they didn’t have Chris Boucher. Oregon lost because Oregon didn’t play as smart as they normally do. Bad shots and more bad shots Carolina goaded them into shooting not just 3’s, but deep 3’s. Very deep 3’s. Look at this shot chart. …

Your Viewing Guide to Oregon vs North Carolina

Bob Rickert Editorials

With so many physical disadvantages, Oregon’s chances to beat North Carolina come down to a few things. Do Oregon’s guards rebound? Does the team play its tempo? And do the players take it to the basket when they can, draw fouls or hit open shooters? Then, do they knock down those shots? Matchups and Mismatches Mean Everything The Tar Heels have …

ESPN Charlotte 730 AM talks Tar Heels/Ducks with FishDuck.com’s Bob Rickert

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Editorials

ESPN Charlotte 730 AM host Chris Allison sat down with FishDuck.com’s Bob Rickert for an in-depth look at Oregon’s challenges in the Final Four against North Carolina. Allison is a long-time friend and former colleague of Rickert. They used this opportunity to renew their friendship and to discuss the upcoming big game. Bob is known for offering more of an analytical …

78 Years Apart, Oregon’s Two Final Four Trips Are Very Similar

Bob Rickert Editorials

A lot will be written about the Tall Firs of 1939 this week. Years ago, I interviewed guard John Dick who started on that squad. Dick, who grew up in The Dalles, went on to become an Admiral in the Navy and later retired in Eugene, where he lived until his death in 2011. Oregon’s ride back to the Final …

Oregon Gets to the Final Four With a Hot Hand, Heart and Geometry

Bob Rickert Editorials

The Ducks beat Kansas Saturday with defense and because they rebounded. There’s so much to love about that win, and as coach Dana Altman pointed out, a few things to work on as they get ready for North Carolina in the Final Four. The Hot Hand Tyler Dorsey’s great first half gave the Ducks a cushion, momentum and belief that they …

The Altman Era – Looking Ahead

Bob Rickert Editorials

Yes, Oregon is playing Michigan for a spot in the Elite 8. But for a couple moments let’s look at the trajectory of Oregon’s program under Dana Altman. Altman is on his way to being a Hall-of-Fame coach. One Final Four or one national title and he’s almost assured of it. At the pace he’s on, if he coaches another …

Can the Michigan Wolverines Deal With Dorsey?

Bob Rickert Editorials

We took a peek at Michigan a week ago when the brackets were announced. But it looked like the Ducks would face Louisville so we focused on the Cardinals. March Madness strikes again. Here’s an in-depth look at the Wolverines: Overall Oregon needs to hit shots and if so, they should win this game. I don’t just mean 3’s or …