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Oregon basketball exceeding expectations through first month of season

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oregon Ducks guard TJ Bamba (5) dribbles against San Diego State Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) during the first half at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Nov 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oregon Ducks guard TJ Bamba (5) dribbles against San Diego State Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) during the first half at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Coming into the Players Era Festival this week, Oregon basketball was fresh off a tight win over Oregon State on the road and not far removed from an overtime battle with Portland.

The Ducks looked like they were a solid team, but that undefeated record wasn't going to stand for much longer. But the Players Era Festival has proven a lot of doubters wrong as the Ducks continue to gel and play well together. They're now 7-0 after big wins over No. 20 Texas A&M and a solid San Diego State team and that means they're one of two unbeaten teams left in the Big Ten.

Oregon now gets a chance to face Alabama which might be one of the best teams in college basketball this season and not too long ago the Tide were making the case for No. 1.

If Oregon can win that one, not only will the Ducks be in the AP Top 25 next Monday, but they'll have to be considered one of the early favorites to win the Big Ten.

All of this shows just how much better the Ducks have been this season than what we expected in the preseason. Even if Oregon loses to Alabama on Saturday night, I'd be slightly surprised if they don't sneak into the Top 25 or get the most votes outside of the ranked teams. They've been playing together and it's been fun to watch the transfers gel together.

Dana Altman is building a special team this year and there's still plenty of time to get even better.

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