NCAA Tournament 2017 Sweet 16: Grading Each Team’s Title Hopes

Oregon Ducks (3) – Midwest Region

If there was any question about if the Oregon Ducks have what it takes to make serious noise in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, they answered it against a feisty and red-hot Rhode Island team in the Round of 32. Tyler Dorsey stepped up to the plate and had the game of his life when the Ducks needed it most, hitting a litany of big shots that included an ice-cold game-winner. He’s that type of player, a sweet-shooter that can’t be stopped whenever he’s hot.

What’s more, Dillon Brooks offers Oregon the same level of player with the same clutch gene. Throw in Jordan Bell as a solid and explosive court in the frontcourt and the Ducks truly do have a team that no one wants to see in March. Even if they stumble in spurts throughout a game, they have the firepower to come back if they’re trailing or regain momentum regardless in a flash.

The unfortunate truth for the Ducks in this tournament, though, is that they’re going forward without their star big man Chris Bouchard. Oregon’s best big man tore his ACL in the Pac-12 Tournament and is done for the year as a result. Frankly, I suspected that the injury would cost them a spot in the Sweet 16, but Dorsey and Brooks ultimately proved me wrong. That being said, the possibility of that injury becoming more of a factor is only going to increase. I won’t come close to counting them out, but they’re likely to face real adversity soon.

Chances: Middle of the Road