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Oregon Basketball: Ducks Open 2018 ‘In Better Place’ Than Last Season

By Justin Phillips

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks reacts in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks reacts in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Oregon Men’s Basketball finished last season coming up short of the NCAA Tournament. Team Chemistry was an issue most of the season, but entering 2018 the team appears more focused.

On Friday, Oregon Basketball Head Coach Dana Altman met with the media for the first time to look ahead to the upcoming season. He started by addressing the dark cloud surrounding College Basketball and the Pay for Play scandal that is under FBI Investigation and a trial in New York City. Late last week Oregon was mentioned in testimony.

Altman and his staff were again questioned by U of O Officials who came to the same conclusion they did last year. “(They) uphold the highest standards and integrity in recruiting.”

Head Coach Dana Altman also addressed his team entering the upcoming season saying he was pleased with the progress made during the offseason. Entering his ninth season, Altman knows what he likes to see and chemistry with his team is at the top of the list. Guys have been in the gym, putting in the work. New faces will look to get immediate playing time and the team brings in one of the highest recruiting classes ever.

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Payton Pritchard will look to lead after again in 2018. Last season there were struggles with team chemistry. This season will see consistency with several key returning players. Kenny Wooten is bigger than last year. He added 15 pounds to his frame and Altman says he is ‘more athletic’ than he was last season. Add to that Bol Bol and the Ducks will have rim protectors this season, similar to the days of Chris Boucher and Jordan Bell not too long ago.

The early non-conference schedule should help get Oregon Basketball into shape for the Pac-12 season. The Ducks also have some road challenges on their schedule traveling to Madison Square Garden early to meet Iowa and likely Syracuse. The Ducks will have a rare home and away trip vs Boise State and also travel to Baylor.

Altman and the Ducks open the 2018 regular season hosting Portland State on Tuesday, November 6th at 8pm from Matthew Knight Arena.

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