– Last week Oregon women’s basketball program landed the highest rated recruit in program history. After months of speculation and rumors, Sabrina Ionescu, the No. 3 overall prospect in the nation according to prospectsnation.com, drove to Eugene and signed her letter of intent to play for Kelly Graves and the Ducks. Ionescu had recently narrowed her list to two schools — Washington and Oregon – but left little indication of where she planned on choosing. The Walnut Creek, California native averaged 25.3 points, 8.8 assists, 7.6 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 1.3 blocks  per-game and was named the All-USA Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
– It wasn’t all good news for Oregon sports this last week. All-purpose standout Kirk Merritt told DuckTerritory that he would be transferring from the university. Merritt played in all but one game during his freshman year in 2015 and was on track to shoulder more offensive responsibility this season. But with a crowded receiving core, an increase in playing time wasn’t guaranteed. Merritt cited “family situations” as the reason for his departure.
– After leaving Oregon unexpectedly last month, track star Jasmin Todd revealed the nature of her exit was academic related. Todd made an agreement with a professor to allow her to submit her work late since she would be traveling and competing during the window to submit her assignments. Unfortunately for Todd, the agreement was not recognized by the university and her credits were considered invalid, leaving her short of the required amount for competition. Todd will be back in Eugene to compete in the Olympic Trials in July.
– The Eugene Emeralds opened their season winning four out of their first six games. Next they welcome the Spokane Indians to town for a five game series that kicked off Thursday night. New Daily Emerald writer Zak Laster details some interesting storylines and matchups to watch for this series.
– The Oregon women’s soccer team has released their full 2016 schedule. The Ducks open their season with an exhibition game against Portland State then head to Hawaii for games against Hawaii and Gonzaga. Oregon then hosts Nebraska, Stephen F. Austin, Boise State, and North Texas over two weeks in August and September before heading south to face UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton. Upon returning to Eugene, the Ducks open Pac-12 play after facing Portland in Eugene. See the full schedule here.
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