Oregon basketball: 3 starting lineup options for 2020-21 season

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Oregon basketball (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Best-case scenario

Point Guard: Will Richardson
Guard: Eric Williams Jr.
Guard/Forward: Chris Duarte
Forward: Eugene Omoruyi
Center: N’Faly Dante

Despite the loss of Pritchard, Altman and the Ducks should feel confident in Will Richardson taking over the point guard duties in his junior season. His blend of size and much-improved shooting make him a two-way impact player who is more than capable of controlling the action effectively.

The other constant in the lineup is senior wing Chris Duarte. Fresh off of averaging 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game — though he was more effective than that when at full health at midseason — Duarte is slated to return to the Ducks and he can be a go-to scoring option for Altman.

What makes this the best-case scenario is, first, the experienced transfers for Oregon showing up and making a big impact. Williams Jr. averaged 14 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Duquesne and is a pure scorer. He also gives the Ducks versatility and length on the wing. Meanwhile, Omoruyi is a strong forward who should be able to slot in easily in the frontcourt after producing well at Rutgers.

However, N’Faly Dante emerging would really make this lineup sing. The former five-star big man is back after his freshman campaign was ended early due to injury. However, he has an NBA future with his athletic 6-foot-11 frame that can cause problems on both ends of the floor. If he’s healthy and committed, neither of which are guaranteed, he can be a stud in the middle.