Oregon Basketball To Face Colorado on Thursday at MKA, Will Dominic Artis Return?
Feb 2, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Richard Solomon (35) tries to bat away the ball against Oregon Ducks guard Johnathan Loyd (10) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. The California Golden Bears defeated the Oregon Ducks 58-54. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
During his weekly Press Conference, Oregon Head Coach Dana Altman said that Freshman Dominic Artis was close to returning to action for the Ducks. It is unclear if it will be this week during the home stand against Colorado(Thursday) or Utah(Saturday).
"“Artis’ absence takes the edge off our team just a bit”Oregon Head Coach Dana Altman"
The injury bug seems to be biting the Ducks. Junior Johnathan Lloyd went down with a thumb injury just before halftime vs Cal last Saturday. He is practicing with his teammates. Without Artis and Lloyd in games for the Ducks, their depth will be tested. Altman was not sure when either would return to action. In other news Freshman and Dual sport athlete 6 foot 8 Freshman Arik Armstead making some news.
Armstead will likely be redshirted (for basketball) this season after joining the team in early January following the football teams victory over Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl. Oregon’s depth this season has made it hard for Altman to use him. By redshirting he will have an additional ‘season’ for basketball when it may be needed down the road. It will also give Armstead a chance to take in what Coach Altman wants from him in the future.
#19 Oregon will face Colorado Thursday night at 7pm(ESPNU) at Matthew Knight Arena and Utah on Saturday afternoon at 5pm(Pac 12 Network). The Ducks 20 game home winning streak is on the line.
Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon