7. Oregon Ducks (9-5, 0-1 Pac-12) LW: 3
Oregon’s struggles continued this week as they not only fell to Oregon State, but additionally dropped to just eight scholarship players left on the roster.
The injury bug continues to bite the Ducks as Bol Bol is officially out for the season and headed to the NBA draft. However, Bol isn’t the only key piece the Ducks have lost in recent days.
Defensive dynamo Kenny Wooten will be sidelined for the next month due to a broken jaw, and forward Abu Kigab has decided to transfer away from the program.
Despite this roster reset, Oregon did show signs of life in their first Pac-12 matchup. Not only did Louis King impress with 17 points, Payton Pritchard scored 14 of his own alongside 15 from Paul White.
The losses of Kigab, Wooten and Bol offers a new challenge for coach Dana Altman and his staff. With only one premiere prospect left on the roster, it’s time to spread the offense between the top three scorers.
Pritchard has struggled mightily this season, shooting just 40 percent from the field and scoring at a less efficient rate than last season. Without Bol, it’s safe to assume the junior from West Linn, Oregon, will be relied on heavily to contribute at a high level like he did in 2017-18.
Oregon will have the chance to bounce back this week when they take on UCLA and USC at home, a prime opportunity to get back above .500 in conference play. The conference season is still young, and with a player like King, there is reason for hope in Eugene.