The calendar has turned over to November, and that means it’s time for the Pit Crew to get fired up.
One week from today, the regular season starts at home against Lehigh. At first glance, it appears the McArthur Mob will have plenty to cheer about because the team will once again have the services of ball wizard Aaron Brooks, sharpshooters Bryce Taylor and Chamberlain Oguchi, big men Maarty Leunen and Ray Schafer, and Mr. Everything, Malik Hairston.
The bad news is that this is essentially the same team that sputtered to a 15-18 record last season. The only addition of note for the Ducks is freshman guard Tajuan Porter, who is slated to give Brooks much needed rest at the point.
Oregon showed flashes of brilliance to be sure, like the January upset of Arizona and the triumph over a tough Washington team in the Pac-10 tournament. But for every rim-rattling dunk that brought the fans out of their seats, there were just as many moments last season that had spectators shaking their heads.
Moments like Brooks, the brilliant passer, attempting to take on three defenders by himself. Hairston disappeared at times, either because he was running cold or sitting on the bench with foul trouble. And although it’s not their main function, it must be noted that Schafer and Adam Zahn combined for just 7.6 points per game.
Despite several torrid streaks, Taylor ended the season shooting just 26.7% from beyond the arc. Watching Taylor misfire from deep was nothing compared to Jordan Kent completing a shocking 25.9% of his free throws. Then there are the team statistics that paint a picture of a team with only a few more assists than turnovers (a ratio of 1.1 to one) and a defense that allowed 70 points or more in 13 contests. So Duck fans, a week out from the season, we have a dilemma. How will we judge Ernie Kent’s team this year? Do we treat them as a group of highly gifted athletes who were only lacking experience and discipline? Or is this season doomed to failure not because of lack of effort but simply from the absence of game talent?
Right now, I don’t know. So instead, I propose an objective system to grade the Ducks’ performance – one that every student will understand. The Pit Crew and Oregon fans everywhere should treat this season like any class at the University.
Here’s how it will work.
The Ducks will play a minimum of 31 games this season – 30 in the regular season and at least one in the Pac-10 tournament. For Oregon to have a successful season (pass the class), they will have to win at least 60% of their games, just like the 60% needed in biology or math.
For the mathematically challenged out there, that means the Ducks require 19 wins this season to get a pass from me.
This season will feature some tough assignments, including games against UCLA, Arizona and Washington, all top-25 teams. There won’t be much flexibility in the grading, either. No points will be awarded for effort. It’s simply win or lose, pass or no pass.
Players and fans get ready, because class is in session next week, and this is one course that can’t be retaken.