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

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Oregon basketball (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Middle-of-the-road scenario

Point Guard: Will Richardson
Shooting Guard: Amauri Hardy
Guard/Forward: Chris Duarte
Forward: C.J. Walker
Center: N’Faly Dante

As mentioned, Richardson and Duarte should comprise the point guard and on one of the wing spots for Oregon in the 2020-21 season, respectively. Between their experience and their production, both players are likely locks to carry this team and be the returning leaders.

With Dante, it would honestly be a shock for me to not see the big man starting if he’s healthy and even remotely in shape and ready to go. For as talented as the Ducks roster is, no single player has the upside of Dante on the interior. What he’s capable of as a post presence on offense and then a long shot-blocker on defense makes him a big-time weapon.

The middle-of-the-road scenario diverts from the best-case scenario at the two-guard and the other forward spot. Essentially, this is the scenario where Williams Jr. and Omoruyi aren’t able to emerge from their year off and contribute. However, the upside is still there as Walker is a former 5-star recruit who has physical tools that could still be tapped into.

Hardy is not a bad option at the other guard spot either. At UNLV last year, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.3. assists and 3.3. rebounds per game. However, he doesn’t offer the length, versatility or shooting that Williams Jr. does, which could lower the ceiling of the Ducks.