Kent Cautiously Optimistic About Duck Season

Ernie Kent knows he has talent on his basketball ball team, but with six incoming freshmen he is guarded in his optimism. The Oregon Ducks start playing exhibition games this weekend when Northwest Christian steps onto McArthur Court on Sunday for a 5 p.m. tipoff.

"We're a little banged up," said Kent of his squad. "We need to get some of our big guys back to practice right now because they are a little banged up."

Kent's team has been working hard and as typical of a young team the biggest thing they need to work and learn is defense. Kent will count on the returning veterans to help the new players learn the big lessons they need in order for the Ducks to be a competitive group.

Are there any surprises on this team?

According to Kent the new comers have not been disappointing and while the coaching staff had a good feel for what the newcomers could do, when they got out onto the court, Kent was pleased with what he saw. The headman had good things to say about Drew Wiley's shooting, Garrett Sims' play and among the veterans, Coach indicated that many would be surprised with Frantz Dorsainville's development.

The Ducks will play two exhibition games, one this upcoming Sunday against Northwest Christian and then a week later on Nov. 9th against Southern Oregon. The regular season starts on Nov. 14th when Northern Colorado visits Mac Court for a Friday evening game starting at 8 p.m. Oakland follows on Nov. 17th for a Monday night home game starting at 7.

While the team is a long way from where they need to be, Kent is optimistic they are headed in the right direction.

Watch Video