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Oregon Women’s Basketball: Ducks Preparing To Return To Campus

By Justin Phillips

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Jaz Shelley #4 of the Oregon Ducks runs back on defense after hitting a 3-pointer against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on March 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Wildcats 88-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Jaz Shelley #4 of the Oregon Ducks runs back on defense after hitting a 3-pointer against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on March 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Wildcats 88-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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One of the key players for Oregon Women’s Basketball is set to return to the US next month.

Jaz Shelley is a native of Australia and since the coronavirus pandemic ended the 2019-20 season early, she has spent time in her native Australia. As the team’s top international athlete, Shelley should be back in Eugene in time for team activities in mid-July She is expected to be back next week..

Last season came to an early end as the pandemic put a stop to all sports across the globe. Oregon was on their way to a potential Final Four and were in the hunt and favorites to win a National Title.

With three top players in Sabrina Ionescu, Ruthy Hebard, and Satou Sabally now in the WNBA, Shelly along with Erin Boley will look to lead the team this season.

Jaz Shelley averaged just over 6 points, 1.5 assists, and 1 rebound last season shooting 42 percent from three-point range as a Freshman. It has been a struggle to get her back
to the United States over the last few months. After spending three months at home, she has filled out the proper paperwork and has been cleared to return to the United States and Oregon.

The Sophomore will be among seven returning players for the Oregon Ducks. One player may not return. Morgan Yaeger has been hampered with back injuries is considering a medical retirement. She has plans to graduate this summer. During the pandemic, classes have been held in a virtual environment.

Team activities have also been stopped. Football is expected to resume on June 15th. Fall Sports have a tentative date to return the end of July.

Oregon has possibly their best recruiting class ever headed to Eugene next month. The Ducks have signed several key transfers that will likely earn playing time with Maryland Transfer Taylor Mikesell and Junior College Transfer Arielle Wilson.

Graves has said despite the setback of the pandemic, everything is on track for the upcoming season