FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2015TV: 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
EUGENE, Oregon -- While Oregon appears to have the pieces to make a run at the Pac-12 title, the Ducks will be missing two starters for Friday's season opener against visiting Jackson State.
With forward Jordan Bell and point guard Dylan Ennis both out indefinitely due to foot injuries, the Ducks will rely on their depth during a challenging non-conference schedule.The Ducks' backcourt is in flux without Ennis, a veteran leader who averaged 9.9 points and 3.5 assists while starting every game last year at Villanova.
"He's going to be out for a while," coach Dana Altman told reporters. "I'm not sure how long, but we won't see him, November for sure, maybe not even December, I'm not sure."
Fortunately for Oregon, the roster features a solid mix of returnees such as forwards Elgin Cook and Dillon Brooks along with talented freshmen Tyler Dorsey and Kendall Small in the backcourt. Sophomore Casey Benson will likely start at point guard until Ennis returns in January, while junior college transfer Chris Boucher looks ready to step in for Bell.
ABOUT JACKSON STATE (2014-15: 11-21):
The Tigers were picked to finish sixth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason poll and could struggle to keep pace with the Ducks after averaging 60.7 points on 38.7 percent shooting last season.
The offense revolves around junior forward Treshawn Bolden, an All-SWAC second team selection who blocked a team-high 17 shots while averaging 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds last year. The undersized Tigers will also look for continued growth from guards Kaven Bernard and Raeford Worsham, who scored 13.5 points and grabbed 7.9 rebounds per game last season.
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