Freshman Tajuan Porter treated Wednesday’s 93-55 exhibition win over Lewis & Clark as his introduction to Oregon basketball fans.
Porter scored 29 points in his debut, shooting 11 for 20, including 7 for 14 from 3-point range.
The Pit Crew chanted Porter’s name during the final minutes, and cheered loudly as he scored Oregon’s final seven points.
“I think people can get a feel for how special Tajuan Porter is going to be,” coach Ernie Kent said.
Porter said he didn’t pay attention to the chanting, despite being a few feet in front of the student section. He also said his performance didn’t come as a surprise.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Porter said. “I just try to take good shots. I’m not going to take any (shots outside my range).”
After stumbling early, leading 22-18 with 10:08 left in the half, the Ducks got themselves back on track towards the end of the half, extending the lead to 47-31.
Despite the blowout, Kent wasn’t impressed with the team’s performance.
“I don’t think we played very well,” Kent said. “Some of that has to do with needing to play more basketball.”
Part of the reason was the team’s new up-tempo style of play. The Ducks began the game with a four-guard set, with junior Maarty Leunen being the only forward. Kent said the team was adapting to its opponent and fans should expect to see Oregon playing its bigger players once the regular season starts. But Kent says to expect some players seeing more bench time if he isn’t impressed with their enthusiasm.
“Obviously we’re going to play teams that are much bigger than (Lewis & Clark) for those guys to get an opportunity to play more,” Kent said. “We’re going to have different lineups on the floor until we get the intensity that we’re looking for.
Although Kent blames some of the poor play on being rusty, Leunen’s performance didn’t suggest that it was his first game experience for the season. Leunen recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds before halftime and finished with 16 points and 20 rebounds
Kent said that he was impressed by the team’s intensity toward the end of the game when the Ducks scored 13 unanswered points. He was also impressed with the 5-foot-6-inch Porter.
“He was the one guy that I felt on the floor that played at the intensity level that he was capable of playing at,” Kent said. “With that kind of size you’ve got to be a pest.”
Senior point guard Aaron Brooks contributed 21 points and nine assists in the victory.
Oregon’s next game will be Monday against Southern Oregon University in the team’s final exhibition.
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