Oregon men’s basketball had one  one of the best season’s in program history this past year. A dominant Pac-12 tournament title run, an undefeated record at home, and the school’s firstone-seed in the NCAA tournament highlighted an exciting and encouraging season that ended with an Elite Eight loss to Oklahoma.
And with most of the core returning from that team — sophomore Dillon Brooks and freshman Tyler Dorsey recently announced they have withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to Oregon next year —  the bar will be set even higher this year.
Brooks will be the key for the 2016-17 Ducks. He is a versatile player who can impact the game in a number of ways. Last year, he led the team in scoring (16.7), and was tied for second in rebounds (5.4), assists (3.1) and steals (1.1). Some are already calling him the best player in the Pac-12.
Dorsey will also be pivotal to Oregon’s success. As a team, the Ducks shot 34 percent from 3-point range last season. Dorsey led the team in makes (67) and percentage (40.6). With a year of collegiate experience under his belt, look for Dorsey to be a major impact player for the Ducks this season.
The return of these two has prompted some to name Oregon preseason favorites to win the Pac-12. Many also have the Ducks in their early preseason top 25 rankings, mainly in the top 10.
But they aren’t receiving this type of praise just because of Brooks and Dorsey. The Ducks will also feature one of the more intimidating front courts in the nation. After taking turns setting the program record for blocks in a season the past two years, Jordan Bell and Chris Boucher will once again be key rim-protectors for Oregon. The two combined for 163 blocks last season.
In addition to retaining four starters from last season, Oregon boasts a top-15 recruiting class, according to rivals.com, that features the junior college player of the year, Kavell Bigby-Williams, and the top-rated player in the state of Oregon, Payton Pritchard.
Oregon is also waiting to hear from the NCAA whether redshirt senior Dylan Ennis will be granted another year of eligibility after missing most of last year with a foot injury.
Despite being picked to finish fourth in last year’s Pac-12 preseason media poll, Oregon racked up 14 wins in conference play en route to its fourth conference title in program history.
The Pac-12 did lose some big talent this year, like Washington’s Marquese Chriss and Andrew Andrews, Cal’s Jaylen Brown and Tyrone Wallace, and Utah’s Jakob Poetl; but Oregon’s road to defend it’s Pac-12 title will not be easy.
Both Arizona and UCLA boast top-five recruiting classes stacked with five-star prospects. Cal’s Ivan Rabb, a top-rated pro recruit, is returning for his sophomore year. USC will return a talented young core with Jordan McLaughlin and Bennie Boatwright. The Pac-12 is never short on talent and this year will be no exception.
But as of right now, Oregon looks to be the favorite in the Pac-12. Although the season is months away, the Ducks are already in fantastic position to make another deep run in the postseason.
Follow Gus Morris on Twitter @JustGusMorris