When Malik Hairston, Maarty Leunen, and Bryce Taylor came into the Oregon basketball program four years ago many expected them to transform the program, elevating it to new heights.
Maarty was the next great Oregon-grown hope, Bryce the soft-spoken afro with the sweet outside stroke and Malik the blue-chip crown jewel of the class.
But things got off to a rocky start on the court, as the team struggled to a 6-12 conference record in the trio’s first season. Another sub-.500 season followed in their sophomore campaign.
Maybe that left a sour taste in some fans’ mouths that has never washed out. That’s the only way I can understand how anyone considers this senior class anything but a huge success. We were all looking to them to elevate the program, and I say, “Mission accomplished.”
Because when you look at their accomplishments on the whole, it’s simply impressive. But we’re not just talking numbers here, though their numbers are phenomenal, we’re talking “big picture.” I almost wish I could throw these next few sentences in all caps, just to wake up some of you haters in the community. I don’t think my editors, or any other journalistic style aficionados out there, would appreciate that, so just pay attention.
All three graduated early and have never had any off-court missteps or even hints of misbehavior. They are class acts, and everyone, and yes I mean everyone, who comes into contact with these three outstanding young men will attest to that. They have represented our school in a way that makes me proud to be a Duck.
And oh, by the way, they captured a conference tournament title, back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances including an Elite 8 run, and have established themselves as three of the 10 greatest players, statistically, that have ever worn green and yellow.
But most important to me, personally, is the class and character these three have shown during their time at Oregon. Unlike most of my colleagues at the Oregon Daily Emerald, I have children. I have two sons, Forest (10) and Charlie (4), both avid Duck fans. I’m thrilled to have such amazing role models for my sons on a team they worship.
When I want to illustrate a point to my older son about the value of hard work, whether that work is academic or extra-curricular, it’s easy. I have three living, breathing examples right there in front of them that he already looks up to.
That’s what we want athletes to be, right? Successful on and off the court, and good role models for our children to look up to? These three fit that bill to the fullest extent imaginable.
If you are disappointed in the way this class has performed, ask yourself one question. Who else in the national landscape of college basketball has accomplished so much on and off the court while conducting themselves and taking care of their academics in such a manner?
The answer is no one. If you think anyone has, I’d love to see the proof.
So in what will most likely be my last Duck basketball column of the year, I’d like to thank these young men. They have been a pleasure to cover, both in the interview room and on the court. They are approachable, personable and just downright likeable while being a thrill to watch play basketball.
Finally, perennially dominant basketball programs aren’t built overnight. Oregon might not be the national powerhouse that some fans envisioned four years ago, but thanks to the efforts of this senior class the foundation is there, the tone is set and the future is bright.