The Oregon Ducks have roared into the 2023-24 season and have won their first six games of the year. The women's basketball team had been in a slight slump but under head coach Kelly Graves, it looks like the Ducks are ready to retake their place towards the top.
Most recently, Oregon toppled the Auburn Tigers when they visited Eugene. The Ducks were led by veteran center and returning star Phillipina Kyei in the paint who contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds in an incredible double-double performance.
Duck star and transfer guard Deja Kelly has been seemingly everywhere on the court and produced an impressive three steals agains the Tigers while also earning seven points and six rebounds.
A healthy Peyton Scott has finally stepped into her own for the Ducks after missing almost the entire 2023-24 season du68 win over Auburn.
"I was just happy to be here tonight."
— Big Ten Women's Basketball (@B1Gwbball) November 21, 2024
Hear from Phillipina Kyei following @OregonWBB's 70-68 home victory 👇#B1GWBBall pic.twitter.com/cj2InbiT4R
Earlier in the season, the Ducks defeated the then-No. 12 Baylor Bears as well as the Nevada Wolfpack, Grand Canyon Lopes, North Texas Mean Green, and California Baptist Lancers. For the first time since the 2020-21 season, Oregon has kicked off its campaign with a 6-0 start.
During the four-year slump, the Ducks' best start to their season was a 4-0 run in 2022 until they lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels who had none other than Deja Kelly on their roster.
Just five years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the women's March Madness tournament, the Ducks were primed for a deep run in the postseason, led by stars Sabrina Ionescu and the Sabally sisters.
While the Ducks might not have the G.O.A.T. at the reigns anymore, Graves has rebuilt his basketball program into one that can compete alongside the best.
Oregon hosts the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the seventh game of the season on Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. PT. The Ducks kick off Big Ten play on Dec. 7 against the USC Trojans.