Sporting News: Oregon Ducks Enter 2018 As A Top Ten Team

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks signals his players during a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the USC Trojans at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks signals his players during a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the USC Trojans at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Sporting News likes the Oregon Ducks next season citing a top recruiting class and returning talent.

With the College Basketball season down to one remaining game on Monday, the Sporting News takes a look at their Way Too Early Top 25 and they like the Oregon Ducks next season and it is easy to see why.

The 2017 Oregon Ducks struggled at times this season. The youth of the team was evident early in the season during the Phil Knight Invitational and Offensive struggles led to some tough road losses that with some experience could have been in the Win column. Head Coach Dana Altman did manage to get Oregon to the postseason, but into the NIT over the NCAA Tournament. Oregon won two games, falling to Marquette to end their season.

Next season, the Oregon Ducks welcome key players and recruits who should help them to the next level. The addition of Bol Bol and Louis King should make an immediate impact and the return of Kenny Wooten for his Sophomore season will go a long way.

The Sporting News has the Oregon Ducks opening the year ranked 7th in the Nation after being left off the rankings last year. With three of five Starters returning and the Nation’s number 2 recruiting class, the Oregon Ducks should be ready to make a run back into the NCAA Tournament.

Respect has to be earned and the Pac-12 didn’t do any favors for themselves in the first weekend of this year’s NCAA Tournament with USC, UCLA, and Arizona all losing on the first weekend. As a result, the Bruins are the only other Pac-12 team on the Sporting News list.

Next: Oregon Ducks In MLB: Tyler Anderson Off To A Rough Start

The Oregon Ducks are still awaiting word on several players who may test the waters of the NBA and attempt to make it to the next level. Among them is Troy Brown who has been silent on Social Media over the last month.