2009-2010 Oregon Predictions
2008-09 Record: (8-23, 2-16 Pac-10)
Coach: Ernie Kent (13th year, 219-157 at Oregon)
Assistants: Mike Dunlap, Kenny Payne, Yasir Rosemond
Ret. Starters/Lost: 5/0

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Overview: The Ducks, led by Ernie Kent, now the dean of the Pac-10, is now on the hotseat after 12 years at the school. He shook the coaching staff up by hiring Mike Dunlap, a former associate head coach at Arizona, who led Division II Metro State to two national titles as head coach. Oregon, who finished 2-16 in the league, does return an explosive backcourt. Senior Tajuan Porter (5-6, 150) can flat-out score (15.4ppg, 1.7apg), but can he get others involved? His shot selection leaves much to be desired. Junior swingman LeKendric Longmire (6-5, 200) is also on the verge of stardom. He averaged 9.9ppg and 3.7rpg last season. Sophomore guard Teondre Williams (6-4, 210) barely got off the bench last year, but will be a key cog in the rotation this year. Junior guard Malcolm Armstead (5-10, 185) is a JC transfer who can play the point and take pressure off of Porter. Up front, the Ducks have issues. Sophomore Michael Dunigan (6-10, 250) has potential after scoring 8.4ppg, but needs to improve rebounding numbers (4.6rpg). Highly-touted freshman Jamil Wilson (6-7, 190) has all the tools to be an outstanding small forward. Senior Joevan Catron (6-6, 235) also returns up front (7.2ppg, 6.6rpg) as an undersized low post player. Sophomore Jeremy Jacob (6-7, 220), who started his career at Georgia, should also be in the mix.

Outlook: Kent’s team should be much-improved with the addition of Armstead in the backcourt and Wilson up front. But is that enough to save Kent’s job?

This PAC 10 conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com