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2007 Oregon Basketball Preview & Predictions

Oregon reached the Elite Eight last season, but will they be able to duplicate the feat without Aaron Brooks and his 17.7ppg.? Find out in this 2007 Oregon Ducks predictions and season preview.

Oregon has as much talent as anyone in the Pac-10 and if Malik Hairston can finally be as good as originally advertised, there’s no doubt that the Ducks can make it back to the Elite Eight. Hairston averaged 11.3ppg last season but has the potential to boost his average to near 20ppg. Put Bryce Taylor on the other wing and the Ducks have two of the most explosive scoring wings in the conference. The 6’5’’ swingman averaged 14.1ppg last season.

The Ducks will lack nothing at the point with Tajuan Porter. The 5’6’’ juggernaut makes up for his lack of size with his quickness that enables him to pressure ball handlers. Porter hit 110 three pointers last season to set an Oregon school record as a frosh-the most ever by a Pac-10 freshman. Between he and Oregon’s pair of explosive wings, the Ducks should be able to make up for most of Brooks’ clutch scoring.

The Ducks’ frontcourt deficiencies are likely what keeps this team from winning the Pac-10 and reaching the Final Four. An up-tempo style of play atones for some of the lack of talent up front, but not enough. Seniors Ray Schafer and Mitch Platt combined for just 2.6ppg last season. These guys have great size, but are still very much unproven players.

Joevan Catron could be the Ducks best low-post option. He averaged just 3.1ppg but showed good signs toward the end of last season after recovering from hip surgery.

6’9’’ Maarty Leunan averaged 10.8ppg and 8.2rpg last season and will be a solid inside/outside guy. The Ducks are hoping these other guys can hold down the fort down low so that Leunan can drift out to the perimeter to create mismatches.

There’s no doubt that the Ducks took a hit with Brooks’ graduation. There, perhaps, was no better clutch player in college basketball last season. But, we feel that Oregon’s guards will be equipped to pick up the slack by the time conference play begins.

Defense was a huge reason why the Ducks made such a great run last season, especially late in the year. If Oregon can duplicate that intensity, they’ll be able to do some damage again. We’ll look to make some overs plays on the Ducks this season with our college basketball betting action as they figure to be a high scoring team.

December 6th, 2007