Best Oregon Ducks Basketball Players Of All Time
The Oregon Ducks have had some of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the court. From the early years of basketball to the present day, Ducks basketball has seen players who have set new standards and changed the game. In this article, we take a look at some of the best Oregon Ducks basketball players of all time.
Bill Bowerman
Bill Bowerman is a well-known name in the world of sports, having founded Nike alongside Phil Knight. However, before his days as a shoe designer, Bowerman coached the University of Oregon men's basketball team from 1949 to 1972. During his tenure, he led the Ducks to two Final Four appearances, and coached some of the best players in Ducks history.
Greg Ballard
Greg Ballard played for the Ducks from 1973 to 1977, and is considered one of the greatest players in Oregon history. He finished his career with over 1500 points and 1000 rebounds, and was drafted by the Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) in the first round of the 1977 NBA Draft. Ballard went on to play for 12 seasons in the NBA, and was twice named an NBA All-Star.
Terrell Brandon
Terrell Brandon played for the Ducks from 1988 to 1991, and is one of the greatest point guards in Oregon history. He was twice named the Pac-10 Player of the Year, and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft. Brandon went on to play for 11 seasons in the NBA, and was named an NBA All-Star twice.
Luke Ridnour
Luke Ridnour played for the Ducks from 2000 to 2003, and is one of the greatest guards in Oregon history. He finished his career with over 1400 points and 500 assists, and led the Ducks to a Pac-10 Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in 2002. Ridnour was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Thunder) in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft, and went on to play for 12 seasons in the NBA.
Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks played for the Ducks from 2014 to 2017, and is one of the greatest forwards in Oregon history. He finished his career with over 1700 points, and led the Ducks to a Final Four appearance and a Pac-12 Championship in 2017. Brooks was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft, and has played for four seasons in the NBA.
Sabrina Ionescu
Sabrina Ionescu played for the Ducks from 2016 to 2020, and is arguably the greatest player in Oregon basketball history. She finished her career with over 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 1000 assists, becoming the first player in NCAA history to do so. Ionescu was drafted by the New York Liberty in the first round of the 2020 WNBA Draft, and is considered one of the best young players in the league.
Conclusion
The Oregon Ducks have had many great basketball players over the years, and these are just a few of the best. From Bill Bowerman to Sabrina Ionescu, Ducks basketball has a rich history of greatness. Whether they were leading the team to championships, setting records, or dominating on the court, these players have left a lasting legacy on Oregon basketball and the sport as a whole.