In a season marked by resurgence and renewed energy, Oregon Ducks women’s basketball coach Kelly Graves has made headlines with his bold declaration about star player Deja Kelly, stating, “She’s the best player in the country.” This statement comes as the Ducks continue to impress in their inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference, showcasing a blend of talent and depth that has reinvigorated the program.
After two challenging seasons plagued by injuries and roster turnover, Graves has successfully transformed the Ducks into a formidable contender. With a current record of 10-4, including their first-ever Big Ten win against Northwestern, the team’s turnaround is a testament to Graves’ strategic recruiting and coaching. The addition of Kelly, a former standout at the University of North Carolina and three-time All-ACC First Team selection, has been pivotal in this transformation.
Graves emphasized Kelly’s impact on and off the court. “Her professionalism is incredible,” he remarked after a recent game. “All the intangibles—I’ve just been blown away. I know she’s not scoring as many points as she has, but the rest of her game is better than it’s ever been.” Kelly’s ability to facilitate plays, as evidenced by her eight assists and zero turnovers in a recent matchup, highlights her versatility and leadership.
The Ducks have also seen contributions from other key transfers like Amina Muhammad from Texas and Nani Falatea from BYU, creating a well-rounded roster that Graves feels comfortable utilizing. “We have depth this year,” he stated. “We wanted to do a lot more defensively and put pressure on our opponents.”
The chemistry among the players has been palpable, with Graves noting how engaged his bench is during games—a stark contrast to previous seasons. “They’re easy to be around. They’re so much fun,” he said. “We didn’t recruit knuckleheads; we were discerning, and it’s paid off.”
As Oregon prepares for upcoming matchups against Wisconsin and Ohio State, expectations are high for continued success. With Deja Kelly leading the charge, Coach Graves remains optimistic about the Ducks’ potential to make a significant postseason run.
“With our experience and talent, we can be really good,” Graves concluded. “And I believe we have what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
As fans rally behind their team, all eyes will be on the Ducks as they aim for greatness in this exciting new chapter of Oregon women’s basketball.
Leave a Reply