Oregon’s work in building its 2016 class has recruiting analysts taking notice.
ProspectsNation.com ranked Oregon’s recruiting class, already with five verbal commitments, fourth in the nation behind Maryland, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt.
Dan Olson, the director of The Collegiate Girls Basketball Report and provider of rankings to espnW.com, provided insight to The Emerald about the Ducks’ 2016 class.
What do you make of Oregon’s recruiting class as it stands right now compared to what you see nationally? 
Obviously, they’re on the rise. Mixed in with a couple of the transfers that he’s [Graves] got. I know he’s got a kid, Jacinta Vandenberg, a transfer from Fresno State who I think has real potential to play well for him the rest of her career. And the addition of him getting there, and you know—It’s been roller coaster ever since he got there. He probably doesn’t stop working his 18 hour days for another year from now, where it kind of slows up. He’s made tremendous headway. That’s a tribute to him and his staff.
… He’s carried his same magic tricks (from Gonzaga) over to Oregon. He knows what he’s doing and he’s personable. I think kids want to play for someone with some pizzaz.
Looking at Oregon’s current 2016 class, would you say it’s uncharacteristic to have five commitments this early in the process, when many programs only have one or two verbals?
Maryland is number one in the ’16 class in recruiting. For the kids they’ve signed. …  The way it works, if you look back over the years, the cream rises to the top. If it’s not Louisville, Connecticut or Notre Dame, one of those schools like that, then ehh it’s fairly surprising to see Oregon, or a school like that. I think there’s such a degree now more of parity in women’s basketball…  Oregon—it’s kind of abnormal for them to have the quality of talent they’ve gotten as far as the 2016 versus the rest of the country. They’re really hustling and making some moves.
Lydia Giomi—a great get for the Ducks. She’s got length, agility, she can block shots. She’ll start to figure out offensively that she can put the ball in the hole. I’m sure she will be one of those kids that will impact early in the Pac-12.
In your experience, how quickly do you think a highly touted like Oregon class has so far could change things in the Pac-12? 
I think it can happen really quickly. Look, the culture has already changed there. It changed the moment he [Graves] stepped onto campus. People can recognize, especially in the Northwest, has already succeeded in doing at a previous school. Once he really gets his feet on the ground, he’s going to excel… I don’t doubt that Oregon is in the fast track to exceed expectations of what they had previously been doing.
What are your thoughts on some of the individual strengths some of Oregon’s 2016 class has already?
I haven’t seen (Morgan Yaeger) yet, but I’m sure I’ll find my way to her. He’s got a kid in (Sierra) Campisano, a long and lanky athlete who I believe has only scratched the surface. That kid is going to improve vastly. Giomi—same way—long and lanky… He’s bringing himself some front-court size, athleticism, and defensive presence. You’ve got Mallory McGwire, an efficient player who can finish the play. There’s not many low post players in high school that are really true finishers, but she is. That’s where her stock has risen quite a bit… Jayde Woods is a big guard. She’s athletic and smooth. She’s continuing to develop.
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