How Joseph Young and Arsalan Kazemi Changed Two Oregon Seasons

Prior to both the 2012-13, and 2013-14, the University of Oregon Basketball team was in need of a leading rebounder, and scorer, respectively. With little time on their hands, transferring players became the solution.

Moving towards the end of September 2012, Dana Altman and his staff were preparing to go into the season without a distinguished rebounder. EJ Singler, Tony Woods, and Carlos Emory had all shown the capability of sharing the bulk of the boards, but Oregon sat near the bottom of the PAC-12 conference in rebounds. The answer? Rice University transfer, forward Arsalan Kazemi.

Heading into his senior season, Kazemi, the first Iranian-born Division I basketball player,  was on track to lead the NCAA in rebounds over his 4 year career. His addition brought to the table, experience at a professional quality level, rebounding, and hustle plays that had not been present for some time. Dunk consest-esque slams became routine for Kazemi, and his addition immediately boosted the Ducks’ chance to make the NCAA Tournament.

Kazemi was simply what the Ducks didn’t have in the past. He was registering double figures in the rebounding nearly every game, as well as efficient, yet unstoppable offense when needed. There were games such as the one against University of Texas San Antonio where he was asked to score–he scored 20 points. On the other hand, there were other games where he was forced to rebound against fellow ferocious rebounders, such as Oklahoma State, and registered 17 boards.

Perhaps an example is needed to solidify Kazemi as the the game-changer in 2013. Flashback to the quarterfinals of the PAC-12 tournament in Las  Vegas against Washington. Entering overtime, Kazemi had 3 points and 5 rebounds. 5 minutes later, his state line read “14 points and 9 rebounds.” His energy saved a once stellar season that was preparing to crash. If it weren’t for Kazemi’s overtime heroics, a future Sweet 16 appearance in March Madness was unlikely.

His lead-by-example style of leadership was crucial in 2012-13, and his strong contributions both offensively, and defensively powered the Ducks through many close games. He rarely made a miscue in the second half of a game, rather he was the one often hammering down the nail in the closing minutes.

With only 1 out of 5 of the Ducks’ leading scorers from 2012-13 returning, Houston Cougars transfer Joseph Young was called upon to pick up the slack. While most did expect him to contribute in the scoring column, what proceeded was fans’ biggest dream.

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Soon after joining the Ducks, Young became a vocal leader, a perfectionist, doing everything he could to change the projected course of the season. He did just that. Young averaged 19 points per game, carrying the offense at times. The future 2015 PAC-12 Player of the Year set a career high of 36 points early in the season, and followed that up by averaging 24 points per game in two NCAA tournament games.

Young became a go-to-guy, and made clutch shot after clutch shot during conference play, nearly completing a 20 point comeback against Arizona State. His 29 second half points in that game nearly opened the door to victory, but the Ducks fell just short.

Joseph Young nearly took the Ducks back to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year, however a late Wisconsin comeback halted those chances. Regardless, his 2013-14 season set the bar for Dana Altman’s Oregon Basketball Program.

Once again, Coach Altman and his staff are in need of finding Young’s successor in the scoring category. Villanova graduate transfer Dylan Ennis seems to be a viable option. He’s expressed confidence in being able to replace Young. His experience at the highest level of college basketball should speed up the learning curve in the new offense. Fans should expect big things in the scoring department from Ennis.

Two transfers, Joseph Young and Arsalan Kazemi, provided exactly what their teams needed, both leading teams with little preseason recognition to March Madness. Now, Villanova transfer Dylan Ennis will likely be looked to take on the bulk of the scoring load that was once carried by Young.