Malique Ewin’s path to Oregon has hit a snag, but the Ducks aren’t in full-blown panic mode.
The latest NCAA eligibility twist has changed the picture for a wave of former college players who were counting on a fifth season, and Oregon’s newest frontcourt addition is caught up in it. Dana Altman had joined the rush to recruit players from the 2022 class after Judge Charlotte Sweeney ruled in favor of the athletes in Wisne Vs NCAA, giving every player who started in 2022-23 the chance to play a fifth season. That ruling opened the door for Oregon to land Arkansas forward Malique Ewin, a move that gave the Ducks a potential starter inside.
But the story didn’t stop there. On Friday, The Tenth Circuit ruled in the NCAA’s favor, taking away the federal protection that had made those players eligible for another season.
The ruling means Ewin is no longer covered by that nationwide decision for now, and that directly affects Oregon’s roster plans. Still, this is not the end of the road for him. Players who already received temporary restraining orders in state or local cases remain eligible, and the next step for Ewin would be to file in a state case of his own, where he’d likely be granted a TRO, or wait to see whether there’s another appeal in the case.
There’s also reason for Oregon to stay patient. Several states have already ruled in favor of the players, and Ewin should still be able to play for the Ducks once the legal dust settles. The only difference is that there are now more steps involved than there were a day ago.
Ewin would be a real addition if he gets on the floor. Last season at Arkansas, he stepped up after Nick Pringle was injured and finished with 9.8 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game. That kind of production gives Oregon a frontcourt piece with starting potential and the kind of two-way impact that could matter if the Ducks are trying to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
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Oregons New Roster Hint Says Plenty About Dante Moores Fall
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The most noticeable update, though, came at quarterback. Dante Moore is listed at 220 pounds after putting on 14 pounds, a notable jump for a player whose development remains one of Oregons biggest storylines entering the season. Moore said teammate Dylan Raiola provided some offseason motivation, and the added size gives another hint at how seriously Oregon views his next step as the Ducks continue to build around him. [Read more 🡒]