Pac-12 preview: the University of Oregon

This is the second in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams for the upcoming season.

This will be year two of Kelly Graves’ University of Oregon rebuilding project, and despite initial glances, the Ducks promise to be much improved from last season.

Graves left Gonzaga - which he had built into a powerhouse, nationally-ranked program over 14 years – in 2014 to take the helm of the beleaguered Oregon ship, left in tatters by two successive ineffective coaches.

He came in with a bang and laid out some new standards for the Ducks, but many on the team didn’t clear the bar that he set. Drea Toler and Tatum Neubert transferred to other schools. Graves dropped two other players from the team.

Oregon also lost four to graduation: starters Katelyn Loper (9.2 points per game) and Amanda Delgado (4.7 ppg), and reserves Megan Carpenter and Marie Berthuel. But returnees and new players will likely bolster last year’s 13-17, Pac-12 ninth-place finish significantly.

Senior forward and leading scorer Jillian Alleyne (18.4 ppg, 15.2 rpg) is back, as is senior guard Lexi Petersen (11.1 ppg) and sophomore guard Lexi Bando (10.4 ppg). Reserves Jordan Loera, a senior guard, and Katie Gruys, a senior forward, also return.

“I think we are definitely going to be better,” Graves said. “Again, we will have many new faces and have only five players back.”

“But that experience includes All-American Jillian Alleyne, all-Pac-12 freshman Lexi Bando, starting guard Lexi Peterson and all-purpose guard Jordan Loera. Their experience with our approach to the game is critical. Last year everyone was learning, and now we have some veterans, so to speak.”

The seven newcomers are an eclectic mix of transfers, International players and true freshmen. Graves loves the roster.

“I’m really excited about newcomers Jacinta Vandenberg, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Fresno State who sat out last season; Maite Cazorla, a freshman point guard from Spain; and Oti Gildon, a freshman forward from Gonzaga Prep,” Graves said. “All of them should be key contributors this year.”

“Jacinta can anchor the defense and is a terrific passer and rebounder – one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached. Maite is so savvy and smart at the point, and Oti is an all-purpose player who knows nothing but winning.”

Redshirt senior forward Liz Brenner is back after a 21 month absence playing with USA and Oregon volleyball. Graves envisions an Alleyne-Brenner presence in the paint.

“Liz is also really going to help us, especially in the locker room, and can help Jill with quality minutes,” Graves said.

Other new faces include senior guard Kat Cooper, who transferred from Boston College; junior guard Mar’Shay Moore, from Blue Mountain Community College; and Lauren Yearwood, a freshman forward from British Columbia.

“We are deeper at every position for sure, and we are better inside and at the point – two key areas.”

As for leadership, Graves will be looking to Alleyne, who promises to light up the Pac-12 conference.

“Jill needs to lead and help get this team to the NCAA Tournament to help solidify her legacy as one of the all-time great Pac-12 players,” he said. “She and teammates are capable, but for us to compete for (a playoff slot), each player must play at a high level each and every night, as we don’t have much room for error.”

Oregon did suffer one setback, in that junior college transfer Megan Trinder sustained a season-ending injury a few weeks ago.

“She probably would have been our starting point guard,” Graves said.
The Ducks face North Carolina, Hampton and Clemson, among others, in preconference play. Their first Pac-12 game will be at UCLA Jan. 2.