As the Oregon Ducks' basketball season winds down, the focus is shifting from the challenges of this year to the promise of the next. Injuries have been a constant hurdle, but with spring on the horizon, there's a renewed sense of hope. The Ducks, led by head coach Dana Altman, are already strategizing for the upcoming season, with a couple of key players potentially getting an extended stay on the roster.
The team is looking to petition the NCAA for a medical waiver for one player, while another has the option to extend his college career by another year. Senior wing Dezdrick Lindsay, who missed his entire junior season due to a shoulder injury, is at a crossroads.
He has the option to return to Oregon or transfer to another program, leveraging that extra year of eligibility. Meanwhile, the Ducks are also aiming to secure another year for their starting point guard, Jackson Shelstad.
Altman confirmed, "Yeah, he'll [Lindsay] have another year. Yeah, for Jackson as well.
We'll try." Lindsay's situation is fairly straightforward since he didn't hit the court at all last season.
Shelstad's case is a bit more complex. The 6-foot-2 junior missed the team's training camp and the season opener due to a broken hand.
He returned to play 12 consecutive games before reinjuring the same hand in late December.
Altman noted, "You know, he's a couple games over, but you know, definitely, you know, we'll try to get him another year."
Lindsay has been a steady presence this season, appearing in all 27 games and averaging 20.7 minutes, 5.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His recent performances have been particularly promising, including a career-high 16 points and five assists in a victory over Penn State. He also made a crucial steal in a win at USC, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Shelstad, anticipated to be a standout point guard, has lived up to expectations when healthy. He's been a key contributor, averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, while logging a team-high 34.8 minutes per contest. If he opts to redo his junior year, it could significantly bolster the Ducks' prospects for the next two seasons.
With these potential roster extensions, Oregon's future looks brighter, setting the stage for a promising comeback next year.