Oregon could potentially be without two starters for crucial Pac-12 tournament opener
This week could prove to be season-defineing for the Oregon women’s basketball program’s season.
The Ducks began the year at No. 20 in the preseason AP Poll and were expected to contend for a conference title. But after an abysmal showing in the month of Feburary, Oregon (16-13, 7-11 Pac-12) stumbled to an eight-place finish in the confrence during the regular season.
As a result, the Ducks are fighting for their postsason lives.
Last Friday, ESPN bracket analyst Charlie Creme listed Oregon as the “first team out” of the tournament field in his most recent bracket projection. Since then, the Ducks notched a 77-48 blowout win over Arizona State on Sunday that figures to boost their stock.
With the Pac-12 tournament kicking off in Las Vegas this week, Oregon will aim to further bolster its resume. The No. 9-seed Ducks will begin tournament play Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. PT against No. 8 Washington at Michelob Ultra Arena.
According to Oregon coach Kelly Graves, though, the Ducks will be without star freshman Grace VanSlooten against the Huskies.
“(VanSlooten) was able to do a little more in practice today, which was nice,” Graves said on Monday. “I’m not sure she’s gonna be a go on Wednesday. I mean, if we can somehow progress and get through the tournament, maybe later in the week. But, obivously, we’re not guaranteed anything later in the week. We’re only guaranteed Wednesday’s game.
“We’re hopeful, still. Even if she does come back, it’s been awhile. So she’ll be a little bit rusty.”
Van Slooten, a 6-foot-3 forward who was tabbed by ESPN as the No. 13 overall prospect in the class of 2022, has missed the past three games with an ankle injury. She is Oregon’s second-leading scorer at 14.3 points per-game and has been named the Pac-12 freshman of the week four times this season.
In VanSlooten’s absence, senior guard Taya Hanson has started the previous three games for the Ducks.
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Additionally, Graves said that two other Oregon starters are dealing with knocks. Freshman Chance Gray did not practice on Monday, and junior Te-Hina Paopao was limited.
Gray left the Ducks’ Sunday win with an apparent injury late in the second half and did not return. Paopao, who was named the Pac-12 player of the week on Monday, is battling a right knee issue.
“Chance did not practice today,” Graves said. “Te-Hina was limited. It’s this time of year, and also we ahv ea short roster. They have to play more than they maybe would. We would have liked to give kids more rest in a 30-point win the other night, but it is what it is. You’ve gotta have a couple of starters on the floor at all times.”
Graves said he “hopes” Gray will be available against Washington on Wednedsay, and the Paopao is expected to play.
“There is a question mark on Chance. That is a question mark,” Graves said. “Te-Hina is going to be fine.”
