Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Eugene, OR (Future150) -- Dana Altman has a tough three man recruiting class coming into Eugene next year, including one of the best point guards in the country. These three players should help bring the Ducks back to national prominence next season, as they could very well be a top 15 squad. Especially if the sensational frosh Tyler Dorsey decides to return for his Sophomore season.
Payton Pritchard, #53 in top-150, West Linn (OR): Pritchard is a special floor general that doesn't blow you away with crazy length, or athleticism. Instead he uses his elite ball handling skills and decision making abilities to make him the elite prospect that he is. He is also a very good three point shooter for a PG, and looks like he will be a great fit in Coach Altman's system. If Oregon were to make a deep run into March next season, you would have to think Pritchard will be one of the main reasons why.
M.J. Cage, #73 in top-150, Mater Dei (CA): Standing at 6'9 and having a decent frame at about 220, Cage should help ease the losses of senior forwards Dwayne Benjamin, and Elgin Cook. Cage is taller than both players, and is probably on the same level if not better when it comes to rebounding and athleticism. His shot blocking abilities and high motor may be his biggest contributions during his freshman season. He has a soft touch around the basket, and has excellent footwork, but scoring may come a bit tougher playing in the PAC-12. Going against the likes of Arizona, Utah, UCLA, and Arizona State who should all have very good big men set to either come in or return, will either help or hurt Cage drastically. Cage projects to be a big time talent that should help the Ducks immediately, but any freshman going against that type of competition will surely be tested.
Keith Smith, 4-star prospect, Rainier Beach (WA): Smith is a very intriguing prospect that could turn out to be a big-time college player. At 6'7 and almost 200 pounds Smith can virtually score from every where on the court. He runs the floor tremendously well whether he has the ball is in his hands or not. The main question about Smith will be his defense. Coach Altman will more than likely use him at the two and the three, rather than the three and the four. This is where the decision of Tyler Dorsey may come into play among this recruiting class. If Dorsey decides to enter the NBA Draft after his freshman year, this spells possibly more minutes for Smith at the SG spot. Staying infront of smaller more complete two-guards when you are a true SF is no easy task, especially when you're playing at the highest level of college basketball. Smith's offense should be on hand whenever the Ducks need it. The defense might take a little time to adjust to, but Smith should be up to the task.
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