Head Coach Dana Altman and the Oregon Men’s Basketball Program has always put an emphasis on maintaining a Canadian pipeline.
It could pay big dividends today.
Altman and his staff have taken their Canadian pipeline to multiple conference championships, two Elite Eight trips, and even a Final Four last season.
They are taking that success to the recruiting trail, and it might result in securing the commitment of the top prospect in the 2018 class.
R.J. Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario is set to make his college decision today at 6 pm ET, and the Ducks are still in contention for his commitment.
— Rj Barrett (@RjBarrett6) September 30, 2017
Going up against college basketball blue bloods like Duke and Kentucky would lead Duck fans to believe that they are the underdogs for Barrett.
They might be wrong.
The Ducks might actually be the favorite.
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In an article from North Pole Hoops, which focuses on Canadian basketball players throughout all levels, spoke with Tariq Sbiet, one of their top national scouts, about where he thinks Barrett will land.
He had rave reviews for the Oregon program.
“They’ve easily done the best job recruiting Canadian players over the years. They have been in Canada the most and invested the most time and energy into it,” Sbiet said.
He also believes that one of Oregon’s current freshman,
Abu Kigab, might give them a leg up for Barrett.
The two were teammates when Canada won the World Basketball U-19 championship this past summer.
“He (Kigab) is a huge X-factor because when you win a World Championship together, that’s a special bond.”
If Barrett were to commit to Oregon, he would automatically become the highest ranked recruit in program history.
The Oregon staff might be feeling confident, as assistant coach Mike Mennenga sent out this tweet promoting Oregon’s Canadian pipeline.
#AlwaysUs #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/pDZDX9Payl
— Michael Mennenga (@mennenga32) November 10, 2017
In addition to being in the final three for Barrett, Altman and the Ducks are also the considered to land the commitment of five-star center Bol Bol, the son of NBA legend Manute Bol and the third-ranked player in the nation.
If the Ducks were to secure both commitments, along with five-star forward Louis King and four-star forward Miles Norris, Oregon would have a legitimate shot at the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation.
With Barrett’s commitment imminent, who is actually the favorite to land Barrett’s LOI signature?
88% of 247sports.com’s expert predictions have Barrett landing at Duke, but Sbiet has other thoughts.
“My guess is, he’s going to Oregon,” Sbiet said.
Next: Ducks Add Two 2018 Power Forwards
Oregon Basketball will be awaiting Barrett’s commitment this afternoon. They will then get ready to take on Coppin State in their season opener tonight at 9 pm PST.