Months after a Final Four showdown against North Carolina, Oregon basketball is preparing for another journey with a new star named Troy Brown Jr.. The 5-star product of Las Vegas is ready to take college basketball by storm in his first year.

Welcome to our newest series! In the spirit of the upcoming basketball season, ATQ takes a look at five freshmen added to the Ducks’ 2017-18 roster. We will also give redshirt freshman M.J. Cage his rightful preview as our special sixth edition to our new segment.

Chronologically, we start with No. 0 on the Duck roster. Soon to be No. 1 in your heart.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Brown was recruited by the big boys, namely a blue blood like Kansas. The Jayhawks envisioned him as their next big star, controlling the offense as a point forward until Dana Altman and company swooped in. He’s a do-it-all player and possibly Altman’s first-ever one-and-done.

According to NBC Sports, Brown has already been named to College Basketball’s Top 100 at the No. 42 spot.

At 6-foot-7 with handles and vision, he was a point guard in high school but projects as small forward. He’s perfect for the “new NCAA” with big guys handling point duties. He has an all-around offensive game, alongside a long wingspan that pays off on the defensive end.

COLLEGE 101: INTRO TO JOHN BELUSHI

First things first, you need to know your Animal House references, Troy. He saw ‘Shout’ at the football games already this season, so he’s beginning to get it. But, Belushi on the stairs with the guitar is the scene you need to know. Learn it, know it, live it.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

KNOW YOUR ROLE

Brown will start for the Ducks. Alongside Payton Pritchard, Elijah Brown and MiKyle McIntosh, he will also be a young leader because it comes naturally to Brown. It may take him a few weeks to assert himself as a true freshman, but once he becomes comfortable on the floor, Brown will join the college basketball elite with his skill-set.

PLAYER COMPARISON

The first time I saw Troy was two years ago, as a 16-year old in Vegas. It was almost immediate when I watched his game, he’s the reincarnation of Penny Hardaway. From his smooth jumper to his control of the offense/defense, the resemblance is remarkable.

He loves the game and it’s evident. Duck fans will appreciate his passion and desire.

I know Brown doesn’t like comparisons personally, but he has the goods. He’s the kind of ‘special’ that down the road kids will be using him as the basis for their comparisons. After college, he has a 15-year professional career waiting for him at the next level.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at some of Brown’s highlights over his noteworthy high school career. The No. 1 player from the state of Nevada should captivate every audience at Matthew Knight Arena this season.

The next 17 days at ATQ will be jam-packed with Oregon basketball prep, including player profiles, predictions, previews, interviews, breakdowns and a few history lessons. Every day, we will have something new as we count you down to opening night.

Ready or not? We’re less than a month away from the 2017-18 season!

Stay tuned, if you want to; Twitter @TheQuackFiend Gram @eugene_levys_eyebrows