With National Signing Day and two men’s basketball games this week, Oregon athletics are in full swing. Andrew Murray, Shannon Hartley and Andrew Bantly give their takes on this weeks events.
Oregon’s Johnathan Loyd will have to keep the Ducks in control for success (AP Photo/The Register-Guard, Kevin Clark)
1. Oregon is coming off two road losses to the bay area schools last week. How will they rebound against Colorado and Utah?
Andrew Bantly, DuckTV Sports reporter: Going into the Bay Area with a nine game wining streak, the Oregon Ducks came face to face with a classic case scenario of “Today is just not your day.” Well in this case that “day” must have referred to the entire last week for the Ducks, losing to both Stanford and California in ugly fashion. Look to see the Ducks rebound when they hear the roar and quacks of Oregon fans and be motivated to finish the season strong. With selection Sunday just over a month away and only 9 games left, Oregon seem to be in a solid position ranked currently #19.
Andrew Murray, DuckTV Sports reporter: The Bay Area experience wasn’t a pleasant one for the Ducks, and head coach Dana Altman will make sure that the losing streak doesn’t become three or four in a row. The biggest problem still remains what will happen at the point guard position. With Dominic Artis out indefinitely, it will be crucial for junior guard Johnathan Lloyd to stay healthy. If Loyd can’t stay healthy the team will have to turn to the inexperience of Willie Moore. Regardless, the Ducks will find a way to rebound with back-to-back home wins against Colorado and Utah.
Shannon Hartley, DuckTV Sports reporter: The biggest factor for Oregon after coming off of two Bay Area losses is to stay composed. What they can’t forget is that before the Stanford and Cal losses, they took down a Washington team that was playing very good basketball. If the Ducks can compose themselves and keep the turnover margin around ten, then they should be fine. Jonathan Loyd needs to realize that, right now, he is not the “change of pace” type of player that Dana Altman usually utilizes him as. He is the facilitator. He needs to slow down the offense, penetrate and kick to get everyone involved. If Loyd plays well, the Ducks have a chance to rebound and take down both Colorado and Utah.
2. Looking forward to the rest of the season, how is the men’s basketball teams chances heading into the NCAA tournament?
Murray: The Ducks are still ranked number nineteen in the nation and have a strong chance to go to the tournament, with ranked wins over UCLA, UNLV, and Arizona, the Ducks have an exceptional resume to squeeze in at the end. The only question that remains is what seed the Ducks will end up with. The Ducks will likely collect somewhere between a twelve or five seed. Depending on how healthy their guards are for the rest of the season, I can see the Ducks ending up with an eight or seven seed overall.
Hartley: There is no doubt in my mind that Oregon will make the NCAA tournament in March. They have fought too hard and won too many games to be denied the madness. Senior EJ Singler has now been to a CBI, NIT and now he needs a birth to the big one. Singler needs to motivate his team to finish strong in the Pac-12 tournament and gain momentum for post-season play. Last season, Oregon played well in the Pac-12 tournament, losing in the semi-finals to Colorado, who went on to win the championship. With Artis coming back from his foot injury, the Ducks will get back into the flow of winning and stay in the race for the No. 1 spot going into the Conference Championship.
3. National Signing Day has passed and the Ducks pulled in a top 15 class again. Besides 5 star recruit Thomas Tyner, who will be the standout of this class?
Bantly: Oregon Football must be pleased with today as National Signing Day came to a close with five-star recruit Thomas Tyner locked in to the UO. But not only Tyner, both Tyrell and Tyree Robinson signed to become a Duck as the brothers plan to strengthen the Oregon Defense.
Murray: Offensive line and linebacker were needs for the Ducks, which they filled on signing day. However, the Ducks have had an extended history of developing stud defensive backs, including Jarius Bird, Kiko Alonso, and Walter Thurmond III. Tyree Robinson from San Diego is currently designated as just an athlete with no particular position. While he played wide receiver and defensive back in high school, the Ducks could use the number six ranked athlete in the nation at corner. His 6’4’ and 200 pound frame would serve the Ducks secondary well.
Hartley: I think the biggest standout of this 2013 class will be the offensive line. Two of the recruits, Evan Voeller and Cameron Hunt are both in the top 15 offensive guards in the nation. Another recruit that adds great size to the front-line is Jake Pisarcik, an underrated lineman who caught on late in recruiting due to position change. These three linemen are all at least ‘6”3, 260 pounds and athletic. Another player that might not get much attention, but will start catching eyes is Brophy Prep wideout, Devon Allen. This kid is the full package. He not only possesses the track speed of De’Anthony Thomas, but he blocks too! Look for Allen to come on strong during fall camp.