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Ducks in the NBA: Bol Bol struggles, Eugene Omoruyi finds new home

It was a disappointing season for the Oregon Ducks on the hardwood this season, but for hoops fans in Eugene at least there are a handful of alumni playing at the NBA level.

Dillon Brooks has been the Ducks player in the news most often this season, although usually for his antics on the court rather than his play on the court – which has been disappointing for the most part this year.

Elsewhere, Payton Pritchard is still with Boston despite requesting a trade before the deadline, Chris Duarte is still dealing with ankle injuries that have plagued him for two years, and Bol Bol’s tantalizing potential is marred by inconsistent play.

It all seems so familiar, which is why it’s no surprise that Chris Boucher is posting almost the exact same stat line from last year again this season.

There are some differences, namely Eugene Omoruyi’s team and the emergence of Troy Brown as a starter, but otherwise it’s a lot of familiarity in our latest update on Ducks in the NBA:

Bol Bol, C, Orlando Magic

Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Bol Bol began the season turning all kinds of heads, finally showing the promise that made him such an enticing NBA prospect. He is currently boasting a career-high with nine points and 5.8 rebounds per game, although those totals have dropped to just 3.6 and 4.1 in his last 16 games – including four straight DNP’s to close out March.

Chris Boucher, PF, Toronto Raptors

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Boucher is doing his best to perfectly replicate his 2021-22 season again in 2022-23, posting an identical 9.4 points per game, 0.9 blocks per game, 0.6 steals per game, and 2.2 offensive rebounds per game. His role as a backup power forward continues to benefit the Raptors, and his 70 games this season is the second highest total of his career.

Dillon Brooks, SF, Memphis Grizzlies

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks has found himself in the middle of a lot of the NBA’s drama this season, but despite the extra attention his performance on the floor hasn’t been all that good.

His 14 points and 46.3 eFG% are both the lowest since his rookie season, and his 39.2% overall field goal percentage is far and away his worst career mark.

Troy Brown, SF, Los Angeles Lakers

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Brown has emerged as a key rotation player for the Lakers this season, starting 45 out of the 69 games he has played and averaging 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting a career-best 37.6% from deep and an elite 89.2% from the free throw line.

Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries continue to derail what looked like an extremely promising start to Chris Duarte’s NBA career. The second-year guard has appeared in 46 games for the Pacers this year, starting 12 and averaging 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting just 36.9% from the field and 31.6% from deep.

He is currently dealing with an ankle injury, and will hopefully get back on the court and get a chance to finish the year strong.

Eugene Omoruyi, SF, Detroit Pistons

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After getting released by the Thunder, Omoruyi joined the Pistons in early March and quickly worked his way into the rotation. He’s now appeared in 12 games with Detroit, starting three and averaging 21.7 minutes, 8.7 points, and  3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 43.3% from the field.

Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics

Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Pritchard has continued to be a little-used rotation guard for the Celtics this season, continuing a downward trend of playing time and overall performance.

This season, Pritchard has played in 46 games, averaging 12.5 minutes per night along with 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, one assist all on a career-low 33.1% from deep.

Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire