In all the years that Kelly Graves has been a head coach on the West Coast, he’s never finished his nonconference schedule as early as he did this year.
Oregon’s 2015-2016 nonconference schedule was released game-by-game on social media this week, and it spotlights plenty of chances for fans to see Graves and the Ducks at Mathew Knight Arena.
In total, Oregon’s nonconference slate features 10 home games and one road game.
Fans will get their first chance to see the Ducks November 11 in a exhibition game against Warner Pacific at Matthew Knight Arena.
“We’re trying to set the tone that we want to win, that we want to start building a resume early,” Graves said. “It’s important in our program’s development that our kids know how to win, and you always have a better chance of doing that at home.”
The Ducks begin their upcoming season on the road in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on November 15. UNC is the sole team on the Ducks’ roster that made the NCAA tournament last season. The Tar Heels advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and finished ranked No. 9 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. In their match-up last season, the Ducks fell 76-59 at home but led 29-28 at halftime.
“I’ve always liked to play tough teams on the road early,” Graves said.
Oregon’s home opener will come November 19 against Hampton, which begins a 10-game homestand. The Ducks will play UC Santa Barbara and Clemson before Thanksgiving.
Graves said the game against Clemson will be a home-and-home, with the Ducks traveling to play the Tigers in 2016-2017.
Graves said he’s looking forward to spending Thanksgiving at home with his family, as his teams have traditionally competed in tournaments and been away from home.
“It’s kind of new to us,” Graves said.
North Dakota comes to town on November 28 before San Jose State, which is coached by former Duck Jamie Craighead. SJSU also features former Oregon assistant Dan Muscatell, who coached for the Ducks from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2010 to 2014.
After the Spartans, Utah Valley, Portland, UC Riverside and Portland State will all come to town before the holiday break. The Ducks wrap up nonconference play against Seattle University on December 28.
Oregon will begin Pac-12 play against the Los Angeles schools on the road.
“We’re going to be tested, but at the same time, hopefully we can build the type of confidence that is necessary to compete in Pac-12,” Graves said. “There’s no question we want to develop a winning mindset.”
2015-2016 Oregon women’s basketball nonconference schedule
Nov. 11 vs. Warner Pacific (Exh), TBA
Nov. 15 @ North Carolina, TBA (season opener)
Nov. 19 vs. Hampton, TBA (home opener)
Nov. 22 vs. UC Santa Barbara, TBA
Nov. 24 vs. Clemson, TBA
Nov. 28 vs. North Dakota, TBA
Nov. 30 vs. San Jose State, TBA
Dec. 5 vs. Utah Valley, TBA
Dec. 12 vs. Portland, TBA
Dec. 15 vs. UC Riverside, TBA
Dec. 17 vs. Portland State, TBA
Dec. 28 vs. Seattle U, TBA
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
Oregon women’s basketball reveals 2015-2016 nonconference schedule
Jonathan Hawthorne
July 9, 2015
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