Autzen Audibles

GO DUCKS!!! Wish I lived in Eugene so I could catch ALL the basketball games.

I know it's just 4 games into the season, but this team's defense looks really good. All the guys on the floor contesting the dribble, the pass, and Woods back there to swat away the garbage. How many clock shot violations, or near violations in the 2nd half? Pretty impressive. Dominic Artis--dare I say it--reminds me of Ronnie Lee. He had a shot in the lane that front rimmed, then he got it and put it back in just like Lee would do. The kid is a great athlete who can get to the hoop, shoot the J and lead this offense. The other frosh starter, Damyean Dotson played a nice game too. Tough D and hit some nice jumpers. I think this team has grit, some desire, which comes out mostly on defense. Friday against UNLV will tell a lot.

I'm tempering my enthusiasm about the defense due to the competition thus far. I have seen my fair share of Ducks getting beat off the dribble already this year from some low level competition. Yes, they've been able to recover some and get some help but will they be able to against a more formidable opponent? I agree with your last sentence, Friday's game will tell a lot. I'm really hoping for the Ducks to be competitive and to rise to the challenge. There's no excuse for the players not to give it their all when they're out there. They have guys that can come off the bench that'll play just as hard when they get tired.