EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks men's basketball team is preparing for a new challenge as it joins the Big Ten Conference. Leaving behind a familiar rival in the Pac-12, the Ducks will now compete against some of the most challenging programs in the country. Here are 10 standout players Oregon State will compete against in its new conference.
Mugako led Big Ten freshmen in scoring (12.2 points per game) and free throws made (92). He also earned All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors and was recognized by his coaches as Freshman of the Year. The forward ranked second in 3-pointers (50) and became one of only two freshmen in the NCAA to score over 400 points.
Freeman earned Rookie of the Year honors from both the media and coaches, becoming the second Hawkeye in the last 30 years to earn this honor. He was also named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team and the All-Freshman team. He has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week nine times in a season, the second-most in history. Freeman averaged 10.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.
Smith was named first-team All-Big Ten following his performance as a junior. The guard played a school-record 1,327 minutes, started all 39 games, and averaged 12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
The 6-11 forward averaged 17.6 points per game for the Gophers and was named third-team All-Big Ten. Garcia had 6.7 rebounds, 32 blocks, 24 steals and 74 assists this season.
Essegian, who played the past two seasons at Wisconsin, will transfer to Nebraska for next season. As a sophomore for the Badgers, Essejan only averaged 3.2 points per game, but averaged 11.7 points and shot 35.9 percent from behind the basket. The 6-foot-4 guard is expected to make an impact for the Huskers next season.
Last season as a junior, Bernheiser averaged 14.6 points per game on 34.8 percent shooting. The 6-6 guard scored a career-high 24 points at Nebraska, shooting 42.9 percent from the field.
The 6-3 guard averaged career-highs 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 55.8 percent from the field. He received All-Big Ten honorable mention and was named to the Saatva Empire Classic All-Tournament Team. Reneau started all 33 games and scored at least 15 points in 17 games, scoring 20 points in seven of those games, including a career-high 34 points against North Alabama.
A physical forward, Reese averaged 9.5 boards and 13.7 points per game. The 6-9 forward was named All-Big Ten honorable mention. He had a career-high 15 double-doubles and scored 20 or more points three times.
Blackwell impressed as a freshman, averaging 10 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Badgers. His 6-3 guard earned a spot on the prestigious Big 1 All-Freshman team and was named Big 10 Freshman of the Week four times.
Thornton earned All-Big Ten third team honors (Academic All-Big Ten) while excelling in the classroom. He started all 35 games and led the team in points (15.7), assists (4.8), steals (1.2) and minutes played (33.6). Thornton was also the nation's leader in efficiency with his assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.0.
These are just some of the talented players Oregon State will face in the Big Ten. This conference is known for its physical style of play and passionate fan base. With the return of key players like Mookie Cook, Jackson Shelstad, Keyshawn Barthelemy and Nate Bittle, and the addition of three experienced transfers from the portal, the Ducks are ready to compete in the Big Ten. It looks like there is.