The Pac-12 Conference Champions open their NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four on Friday, but it appears the Oregon Ducks have a lack of respect.
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The Oregon Ducks finished the season winning the Pac-12 Conference over Arizona, Utah, and Cal that could have been anyone’s Conference to win during the Regular season. Dana Altman then led his team through the Pac-12’s Best in the Pac-12 Tournament which ended with a 31 point win over Utah to take the Pac-12 Title. Oregon also got the best of Arizona this season and beat them twice, once on the road and in the Pac-12 Tourney. I’m not sure if it helps the Oregon Ducks cause that the Wildcats were upset on Thursday night by Wichita State, but many in the media don’t have Oregon getting past the Sweet 16.
While the Oregon Ducks run through the Pac-12 Conference has been impressive this season the Oregon Perception across the nation is still one of, well, part intrigue, part not knowing who this team really is. The Oregon Ducks non-conference slate saw them travel to Alabama and pick up a big early season win, but the late games on the East Coast and let’s face it – ‘Full, but limited’ exposure on the Pac-12 Networks and a lack of show on ESPN have not really helped matters. I was surprised the other night when CBS ran their post game show that highlighted the Oregon Ducks. The announcers pronounced Chris Boucher’s name correctly.
Of course, it’s one game at a time. Holy Cross is the Ducks first opponent. A 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed. The first game sees Oregon as a 23 point favorite. It will be a good opportunity for Dana Altman and the Ducks to show the country what they are all about.
While ESPN has the Oregon Ducks in the ‘Contenders’ list at number 7, they are just outside Favorites list that include the other number one seeds, and the team that was left off as a number one seed, Michigan State. That should be some motivation. Of course, being the top ranked Pac-12 team is not a bad thing. A big game against Holy Cross may not sway the perception of the Ducks, but a big Second Round matchup awaits on Sunday that could very well tell the tale of THIS Oregon team.
Next: NCAA Tournament: Oregon Ducks Face Holy Cross In First Round
Oregon and Holy Cross are set to tipoff just after 4:30pm Pacific Time from Spokane, Washington in the NCAA Tournament on TruTV.