The Ducks are coming and going like crazy. I really don't know what's going on in Eugene. I think of Kelly Graves as one of the best coaches in the country, and he seems like a great guy, as well. So what's up? Taylor Mikesell left and went to Ohio State. Taylor Chavez left for Arizona. Jaz Shelley went to Nebraska. Angela Dugalic left for UCLA.
Must be a playing time problem. Angela and the others must figure they'll get more playing time for the Bruins. Etc. Etc.
I was stunned by Oregon's poor play against Louisville in the NCAA Tournament. After good games against South Dakota and Georgia they played a total clunker against the Louisville Cardinals and ended up losing by 18. They scored 14 points in the first half! Dana Evans (Louisville's All American guard) had more than that by herself.
So, what about Oregon's next season?
First off, they get their excellent point guard back. Te-Hina Paopao will play for the USA Under 19 team this summer in Hungary after recovering from a knee injury that kept her out most of last season. She was named to the All PAC12 team as a freshman. And next year she'll make a huge difference and emerge as a star player in our conference.
Sedona Prince will play for the USA AmeriCup Team this summer in Puerto Rico and will return a better player from the experience. She'll anchor the Ducks in the paint as one of the nation's best go-to post players next season.
Nyara Sabally will play in Germany this summer and come back to Eugene ready to play some inspired basketball for the Ducks.
Chanaya Pinto has enrolled at Oregon after graduating from Northwest Florida State College where she was a starter for two years, including the 2021 National Junior College Champions. She was second team Juco All American and will help the Ducks.
Endiya Rogers, an All-PAC12 player, has decided to transfer as a junior from USC to Oregon. She'll make a huge difference.
Shannon Dufficy is a 6'-2" forward grad transfer from Missou.
Taylor Hosendove is a 6'-1" guard grad transfer from Georgia State.
Ahlise Hurst is a 5'-9" guard grad transfer from New Mexico.
Phillipina Kyei is a 6'-8" incoming freshman recruit from Calgary, Alberta Canada. She's originally from Gyana and just started playing basketball three years ago. We'll see what she can do for the Ducks.
Taylor Bigby is a 6'-1" freshman recruit from Las Vegas.
The returning sophomores:
Kylee Watson 6'-4" Forward
Maddie Scherr 5'-11" Guard
Sydney Parrish 6'-2" Guard
Those that read this blog know that I've predicted that Oregon would have a great year and end up losing to Stanford in the National Championship game next April. That was before I knew that four of their better players were transferring. Are there strong players in the Portal planning to join up? At this point I'm left in a quandary - wondering if the Ducks can get their "quact" together. I think this starting lineup will give anyone a hell of a contest next season:
Te-Hina Paopao 5'-9" Point Guard
Endiya Rogers 5'-7" Shooting Guard
Sydney Parrish 6'-2" Guard
Nyara Sabally 6'-5" Forward
Sedona Prince 6'-7" Center
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