Dillon Brooks in Starting Line-up

PORTLAND, Oregon — No. 22 Oregon’s Dillon Brooks has drawn his first start of the 2016-17 season. The preseason All-American was relegated to bench duty after offseason foot surgery.

Ducks head coach Dana Altman was justifiably cautious with Brooks to start the season. After missing the first few games, Brooks made his first appearance at the Maui Invite against Georgetown.

One star reenters the fold, while another sits down. Sports Illustrated cover boy, Chris Boucher, is out with an apparent ankle injury. The specifics of the injury have yet to be revealed. Yet, getting CB healthy for No. 2 UCLA next Wednesday is a top priority for the Ducks.

He is currently wearing a walking boot. Boucher is watching from the end of the Oregon bench on Saturday night.

Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports

This season, Brooks is averaging an impressive 12.3 PPG, 2.8 APG. 2.0 RPG off the bench. His numbers are sure to rise amidst entering the starting five from the Moda Center.

Hopefully Brooks will take off from here. Ironically, his first start comes at the home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. The perfect setting for resuming his aspirations of playing professional basketball. He doesn’t need much more motivation.

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