A Balanced Start
Oregon’s men’s basketball team opened its exhibition schedule with a dominant 121‑40 win over the University of Fraser Valley Cascades, marking the first public look at a roster reshaped by Coach Dana Altman.
The starting five differed from preseason expectations, featuring Fred Payne, Tyrone Riley IV, Dwayne Aristode, Luke Johnson and Sean Stewart, a combination that surprised many observers.
Freshman forward Malique Ewin, who joined the program through NCAA eligibility rules, was absent from the contest after arriving later than anticipated, leaving the team to rely on other newcomers.
Andrew Meadow, transferred from Boise State, led the scoring with 24 points in just 17 minutes, shooting 9‑of‑12 from the field and 2‑of‑3 from three‑point range, underscoring his offensive impact.
The offense proved highly distributed, with 12 of the 13 available players finding the basket and seven finishing in double figures, a clear indication of Altman’s emphasis on balance.
Also making his debut was highly touted freshman Tajh Ariza, who contributed five points, seven rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal in 19 minutes, highlighting his defensive versatility.