Shocking news out of the basketball program this weekend:
Sophomore G Johnathan Loyd has informed coach Dana Altman of his decision to leave Oregon and enter the NBA draft after only two seasons in Eugene. [...]
"I question the advice that Johnathan is getting" said head coach Dana Altman. "I'm not sure he has the understanding of what playing at that level really entails." Loyd's status as a career backup unable to string together any consistent performances also has draft analysts puzzled. "He has no shot to get drafted, and may not even get a decent look in Europe" opined Bjorn Zetterberg, a prospect analyst for SwishScout.com. "This is the most bizarre draft decision I have ever seen."
Loyd was unavailable for comment.
This is a truly stunning decision. Obviously, the first concern is for Loyd, a career 32 percent shooter who hasn't shown the enough ability to shoot or defend well enough to get a consistent look in Eugene, and will not leave with a degree. But it also leaves the Ducks in a tough spot. Loyd had an excellent shot at earning a significant rotation spot next season, with the much lesser experienced Brett Kingma the only other returning guard, and freshman Dominic Artis the only incoming guard in the next class. Altman was already under tremendous pressure to find a guard, and probably two, with the scholarships that he has left to fill this class. Now, multiple guards are a must.
Loyd leaves Eugene with career averages of 4.1 points and 2.5 assists per game. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
And please click HERE to listen to the full interview with head coach Dana Altman and with SwishScout.com