The Oregon Ducks consistently produced NBA talent during the Dana Altman era, and so far this season eight alumni have adapted to the game’s top level.
The biggest story among Oregon alumni was the emergence of the Bol Bol Center. After being traded twice last season (and rescinding a trade), Bol has found a home in Orlando.
Playing alongside superstar rookie Paolo Banchero, Bol began to show the tantalizing promise that made him such an intriguing prospect. He’s been blocking shots, three-maning, getting guys off the dribble and having a strong impact at both ends of the pitch so far this year.
Dillon Brooks, Chris Boucher, Chris Duarte and Payton Pritchard all settle into key roles similar to previous seasons – although an injury to Duarte slowed his progress in Year Two.
Here’s a look at how each Oregon alumnus performed in the first six weeks of NBA action:
Bowl Bowl, C, Orlando Magic
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
Injuries limited Bol Bol to just 53 games in his first three NBA seasons, spent mostly in a deep bench role.
He finally has his breakout, though, starting 19 of 24 games for Orlando this year and averaging 12.9 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 41.3 percent from deep and averaging 1.9 blocks per game.
Chris Boucher, PF, Toronto Raptors
Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Boucher is averaging 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 19 games with Toronto this season.
Dillon Brooks, San Francisco, Memphis Grizzlies
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas – USA TODAY Sports
Brooks continues to be a top scorer for a strong Memphis team, averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 19 games this season.
Troy Brown, San Francisco, Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Brown stepped into a starting role for a depleted Lakers squad, averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds while starting 16 of 18 contests for the year.
Tyler Dorsey, SG, Dallas Mavericks
Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
After spending three seasons overseas in Greece and Israel, Tyler Dorsey is back in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks. He has played just one game so far this season, scoring nine points in just four minutes of action without missing a single shot from the field.
Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman – USA TODAY Sports
Duarte suffered a sprained ankle in early November and is expected to return in mid-December.
Prior to the injury, Duarte had played in nine games (five starts) and averaged 8.9 points and 2.1 rebounds.
Eugene Omoruyi, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams – USA TODAY Sports
Omoruyi’s freshman year at Oklahoma City went pretty well, as he found himself just inside the rotation – playing 11.9 minutes per game while averaging 5.9 of 46 points. .2% shooting from beyond the arc in eight games.
Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports
Pritchard’s playing time has dropped for the second year in a row, as he now plays just 11.8 minutes per game. He’s averaging 5.3 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 40% from deep for the Boston Celtics.
The story originally appeared on Ducks Wire
