Former Ducks thrive in the NBA

Posted on November 14, 2017

Originally Posted on Emerald Media via UWIRE

The Oregon men’s basketball team is coming off of its first Final Four appearance since the Ducks won the first NCAA National Championship in 1939. Four of the five starters from the Final Four team have gone on to play at the professional level. Many of those players have already made a name for themselves in the NBA, and the season is just getting started.

Jordan Bell / Golden State Warriors

Bell was taken in the second round of the NBA draft, the 32nd overall pick, to the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. He has already become an integral bench player for the Warriors, shooting over 70 percent from the field (19-27).  Head coach Steve Kerr and many of Bell’s all-star teammates have raved about the rookie’s performances.

“Jordan does everything, whether it’s steals, blocks, rebounds, finishing at the rim,” guard Klay Thompson told the San Francisco Chronicle. “He’s obviously a great asset for us and continues to get the work in every day.”

Dillon Brooks / Memphis Grizzlies

Bell isn’t the only Duck from last years’ starting five to earn minutes in the NBA. Dillon Brooks is not only tallying minutes, but he has become a starter for the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks started his fourth-consecutive game on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. Back in the Grizzlies’ season-opener against the Pelicans, Brooks scored 19 points, the highest scoring debut for a Grizzly rookie in 11 years. Brooks also also made his way back to Oregon last week as the Grizzlies took on the Portland Trailblazers. Brooks logged 38 minutes, seven points, eight rebounds and two blocks in the win.