Last year, Oregon women’s basketball coach Kelly Graves pieced his nonconference schedule together hoping to instill early-season confidence. That included one road game with the remaining 10 in Eugene. This year, though, Graves scheduled four Power Five teams and more travel before Pac-12 play begins.
“I think we’re better able to handle it this time around,” Graves said. “Early on in our program establishing a winning culture was the most important thing. We’re ready for the next step.”
That includes games against Michigan State, Ole Miss, Clemson and Mississippi State, which advanced to the Sweet 16 last year. The Ducks will also play Hawaii and Idaho, both NCAA Tournament participants last year.
Oregon opens the 2016-2017 season on Nov. 13 against Lamar at Matthew Knight Arena. CSU Bakersfield, UT San Antonio and Michigan State also visit Eugene during the homestand.
Graves said Oregon’s 12-day European trip last month gives the team a leg up in preparation.
“I go back to this tour we just wrapped up,” Graves said. “It came at a valuable time because we don’t have until December to get ready for two top-10, top-20 programs.”
Oregon spends Thanksgiving in Honolulu with games against Hawaii, Mississippi State and San Jose State in the Rainbow Wahine Classic.
The Ducks then return home for an exhibition game versus Vanguard and game against Portland. Graves said he’s never scheduled a midseason exhibition, but wanted to keep his team fresh in what would be a long break.
Oregon then visits Clemson, where former Duck Katie Gruys is a graduate assistant, and Ole Miss.
Graves said he’s eager to play Portland State on Dec. 17 at the Moda Center in Portland. It’ll be coupled with the UO men’s game versus UNLV.
“When the opportunity was presented, we jumped at it,” Graves said. “I think that’s the kind of stuff that recruits like, your team likes, and it gives us a chance to play in the Portland area. I know there’s a lot of Duck fans there.”
Oregon rounds out nonconference play against Idaho on Dec. 20.

Full nonconference schedule: (all times TBD)
Oct. 29 — vs. Northwest Christian (exhibition)
Nov. 13 — vs. Lamar
Nov. 18 — vs. CSU Bakersfield
Nov. 20 — vs. UTSA
Nov. 22 — vs. Michigan State
Nov. 25 — Hawaii (Rainbow Wahine Classic: Honolulu, Hawaii)
Nov. 26 — Mississippi State (Rainbow Wahine Classic: Honolulu, Hawaii)
Nov. 27 — San Jose State (Rainbow Wahine Classic: Honolulu, Hawaii)
Dec. 4 — vs. Vanguard University (exhibition)
Dec. 9 — vs. Portland
Dec. 12 — @ Clemson
Dec. 14 — @ Ole Miss
Dec. 17 — Portland State (Moda Center)
Dec. 20 — vs. Idaho
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne