Michael Chandler Makes Memorable Debut Against Cal State University Northridge

McKalie Bellew FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With all the hype surrounding our Oregon football team right now, our men’s basketball team is more or less out of the spotlight. It’s understandable that there’s such a heavy focus on our football team, as they are leading one of the best seasons in university football history; however, let’s not forget about the rest of our Ducks! Last night our men’s basketball …

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. …

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 …

Theo Friedman — Freshman Walk-On — A Guard’s Guard

Alex Legarza FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Relentless persistence and determination are qualities that set great athletes apart from the simply good.  These qualities are also critically important to an athlete that isn’t offered a scholarship.  No scholarship means a player is not guaranteed a spot on the team, but rather just a chance to try out for a “walk-on” position, and on their own dime at …

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 …

Lapray’s IQ Fundamental to Success

Alex Legarza FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Basketball is a sport that has developed into a much more complex game than to those who knew it many years back.  It has certainly evolved into a bigger, faster and stronger game.  In such a sport which has so many essential components for both the team and individual players, principal fundamentals such as footwork, shooting and ball handling can …

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 Men’s BB: Is There Still Enough Time to Make the Dance?

Bryan Holt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With just one month away from Selection Sunday on March 16, experts around the country are buzzing with predictions over which 68 teams will fill the brackets for the NCAA tournament.  The Oregon Ducks (16-8, 4-8 Pac-12) have just six games and a conference tournament to boost their computer ranking in order to gain an at-large bid to participate in …

Duckling Profile: There’s No “I” in Carter

Alex Legarza FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Many athletes and sports fanatics have heard the phrase, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” For Ben Carter, he not only embodies this idea, but also practices it.  He makes himself available to play many positions on the court, not just one.  That versatility is evident in that he is more than capable of defending a power forward, while also …

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 …

Let the Games Begin!

Lawrence Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon football pummeled Texas in the Alamo Bowl last week.  Oregon baseball is No. 6 in preseason rankings.  And while that’s all good and fun, this, ladies and gentlemen, is basketball season.  So how exactly is the Duck basketball team performing?  Well, they are 13-0 and top-10 in the AP Top 25 — an incredible start to a season by …