The Oregon Ducks finished their season Wednesday night in LA with a loss to the Cougars. As a Duck follower, this season was more agonizing to watch than any other I can recall. However when Thursday or Saturday night rolled around, I was always there in front of the TV or radio following this team till the bitter end. I don’t want to talk about the future of Coach Ernie Kent right now, his future will be evaluated by people much closer to the situation that I am. I will instead break down the team, position by position and give you my quick analysis of this team’s future.
Point Guard: Duck fans often like to blame Tajuan Porter for the team’s struggles. I understand he isn’t the ideal point or shooting guard, but I love the kid’s intensity and mindset. Tajuan wants to be the one to take the last shot, or have the ball in his hand at the end of the game, and I appreciate that. Most players don’t share the same will to win that Tajuan does. On a side note, Porter may end his career as the Ducks all time leading scorer, so maybe some duck fans should back off him a bit, he has done a lot for this program. Freshman Garrett Sim certainly tailed off toward the end of the season, but he has the potential to be the Ducks starting PG for the next 3 years. Kamyron Brown either needs to make great strides this off season, or find himself a seat next to the coaches. Brown’s development has been slow to non existent and his erratic play makes it hard for his teammates to get in any sort of a rhythm throughout the game.
Shooting Guard: Freshman Matthew Humphrey improved as the season progressed, and if that continues I find it hard to imagine he wouldn’t be vying for more minutes next fall. Humphrey reminds me of a more energetic Bryce Taylor, the emotion Humphrey shows on the court was clearly contagious in wins over Stanford and Oregon State. Junior to be LeKenderic Longmire was the teams best defender, and plays with an intensity I truly enjoy. While his offense is still raw, he shooting improved over last year, and I look for him to develop his ball handling skills this off season to make him a more complete player. Freshman Teondre Williams didn’t play much this year due to injuries, but his athleticism is second to none, and he has the potential to be a big time player for the Ducks next year. This group has an array of talented players; I think the big key at this position will be finding someone that can score consistently throughout the season instead of in a game here or there.
SF: The small forward position is one of great intrigue for the Ducks going into next season. Big time recruit Jamil Wilson from Wisconsin will be a contributor immediately. From what I have seen of him, he appears to have a good stroke, and bounce similar to that of an Alex Scales (I’m not just saying that because their both from Racine, Wisconsin). Drew Wiley came on strong at the end of the year, and he has the three point ability to really stretch a defense. Wiley must improve his own defense, and inside game but that should come with more time in the weight room this spring. Incoming freshman EJ Singler and Jeremy Jacob could also see minutes next year, although I would expect at least one of them to redshirt. Once again the small forward position will be young, but the talent is in place for years to come.
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