Autzen Zoo
Fansided

Oregon Basketball: Dana Altman and Ducks Picked First In Preseason Coaches Poll

By Justin Phillips

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks speaks with Payton Pritchard #3 during the second half of the game against the UNLV Rebels at Moda Center on December 17, 2016 in Portland, Oregon.The Ducks won the game 83-63. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks speaks with Payton Pritchard #3 during the second half of the game against the UNLV Rebels at Moda Center on December 17, 2016 in Portland, Oregon.The Ducks won the game 83-63. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Oregon Basketball team was selected to finish first in the Pac-12 according to the Coaches on Thursday, one day after the Women’s Basketball team was also given the honor.

Head Coach Dana Altman is heading into his ninth season with Oregon Basketball with what is likely the most talent he has had since he became Head Coach, exceeding the talent level of just a few years ago with a team that went all the way to the NCAA Final Four. While the FBI is investigating fraud in NCAA Basketball, Altman moves forward as the team gets ready for the upcoming season.

Several weeks ago Oregon was named along with Troy Brown Jr. among testimony in the trial. Since then, Oregon Basketball was found to be clear by a second investigation by the University of Oregon.

Oregon picked up 288 points in the Preseason Coaches Poll. The UCLA Bruins came in second behind the Ducks. Last season, Payton Pritchard led the team on the court with his experience. Paul White also saw key minutes on the floor. Both are returning this season for Oregon Basketball. The Ducks welcome one of the best-recruiting classes, led by Bol Bol who will certainly see playing time this season.

For the Oregon Basketball programs, it is the first time in their respective histories that both have been selected 1st in the Preseason Pac-12 Coaches Poll.

Last season, the Oregon Ducks struggled to find consistency. Freshman Troy Brown Jr showed promise in the non-conference slate, finding points and showing off his skill set. When Pac-12 play started, he was inconsistent, especially on the road. This offseason was spent working to correct some of those problems that plagued the team to 13 losses last season.

Oregon WBB: Ducks Picked To Win Pac-12. dark. Next

The Oregon Ducks Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams are hosting Matt Knight Madness Friday night. Both teams will participate in a 3-point competition as well as scrimmage to show off their talents before the start of the season. Doors open at 5:30 pm with the event beginning at 6 pm.

Home/Oregon Ducks Basketball