By Calvin Cager

 University of Oregon’s basketball program was expected by most to equal or exceed last season’s NCAA tourney elite eight status.  Now, after three conference losses, it seems such promise may have been a stretch.  Freddie Jones, now in the NBA, was seen as the only important link missing in the new Duck edition.

We now suspect that overconfidence, fueled by a fast and winning start, has taken a toll that will probably have the Webfoots winding up third at best in Pac 10 standings.  Assuming the Lukes (Ridnour & Jackson) are healthy and motivated for post season, Oregon could still achieve some tourney success.  That will be dependent upon the continued improvement of up front personnel (Crossswhite, Johnson, Helquist, Anderson and Short).  These guys come into February lacking consistency and causing coach Ernie Kent to constantly juggle their presence on the floor.

This work-in-progress will not threaten Arizona’s domination of the league and bid for a national championship.  California also looks like a stronger squad to date than the Ducks.  We do admire Kent’s coaching skills and believe he has already developed a program that will keep Oregon among the best in the West.

It was a magical year

Last year, University of Oregon reached an unprecedented pair of achievments on gridiron and court.  Joey Harrington took the football team to #2 in the nation, while an unheralded basketball squad also graced national rankings.  

We believe Oregon will now continue as a national contender in both athletic disciplines, after learning what a true coincidence 2002 represented and how success can be too easily taken for granted.

The new football recruiting class to be announced late this month is expected to be the strongest in school history, while the current basketball squad should return its key components while being a powerful magnet for prep phenoms.

Now if Jay John transmit his coaching experience with the Arizona basketball dynasty into building an Oregon State return to national  note, Corvallis could soon share the collegiate sports spotlight with Eugene, assuming grid mentor Dennis Erickson regains 
the touch shown a year ago.
     
© 2003 Oregon Magazine