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Around the Pac-12: NCAA transfer policy goes to court; Oregon Ducks to host Dante Moore; DJ Uiagalelei to visit Florida State

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey issued a 14-day temporary restraining order against the NCAA and its inconsistent transfer policy, forbidding the association from denying athletes the chance to play immediately after transferring for a second time.

Hoops, last night

Hadn't seen more than a couple a games this year so I took the opportunity to peek in last night, expecting a walk-over of a team with a name like California Baptist. Turns out they are a recently printed D1 religious school (Think Liberty in its early day) with a record of 6-2 going in and they beat UW in Seattle last season. For a half they seemed like they were not in over their heads at all. Their only problem was too many turnovers by a team that generally didn't commit that many. If they could fix that at half time the Duck could be in for a tough time of it. The lead was only 5 at the break.

They improved but so did the Oregon in that department. Oregon also got better in their shooting and the expected rout was on.

What I saw.,

The team is much better disciplined, playing better than any of DAna's squads have at this point in the schedules going back to include Payton Pritchards' team. There is a sense of discipline and hustle those teams didn't develop in time for the Dance and barely for another 20 win season. I don't think it will be a problem this year, barring more injuries, and by then, not many teams are going to want to be in Oregon's bracket. The Ducks won't be a bubble team, last four in, or, first four out one.

Why

As I said, they are playing well. The only thing I see needing improvement, besides every coach's "everything", is foul shooting which seems to be getting better. They play solid defense with the vulnerability being trying to stop tall guys who know what they are doing. That will change in a couple of weeks when Dante dresses and when Biddle returns mid conference season the transformation will be complete. In that department Mahadadou Diaward , from Mali like Dante is, who I sort of projected to be a great guy to have around for practice, is really not that nor a star though he looks like a solid backup. It will be nice to have him around so the the other towers can rest or avoid getting into serious foul trouble.

Another very nice piece is Shelstad who comes from Pritchard's West Linn HS. I See NBA written on him and he could be better than Peyton. He plays more like a decent junior than a freshman. His shooting from beyond the arc and midrange is good and will get better. He has a little work do do in driving to the hoop but gets there about as well as anyone on breakaways. He has the ability to see the potential then the speed and ability to finish unmolested at the rim. It's not a rare sight.

There are plenty of other guys who contribute nice minutes. James Cooper may lead the pack of guys who don't start by a shade. These guys play solid defense everywhere, including the paint where they are temporarily outmanned. As a whole the squad is shooting the three well and will probably do so better and more often once the big guys return. Opponents will have to give their paint quite a bit of defensive attention and fight to stop Offensive rebounds not likely now, but will be soon. Don't forget. Biddle can fire for a good percentage from the outside as well. Most of all, everyone REALLY hustles.

Perhaps the pre-season voters underrated Oregon in thinking the Ducks would be the fourth place finisher. USC doesn't look like a top three team and I think the only real team tough to get in front of is Arizona.

Think I'll tune in again, though I expect Syracuse will be a tough challenge for the next game.
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