Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
Oregon benefited from Waverly Austin’s ineligibility at South Florida to land the 6-foot-11 JUCO transfer a few weeks ago. Now the Ducks have potentially bolstered their frontcourt for 2012-13, as Rice transfer Arsalan Kazemi enrolled for the school’s fall quarter and will seek a hardship waiver to gain immediate eligibility.
After announcing his intention to transfer last week, Kazemi listed Kentucky, Ohio State, Texas, Florida and Cincinnati — as well as Oregon — as his favorite destinations, and the Ducks won out.
Kazemi, who has accumulated 45 double-doubles in his first three collegiate seasons, averaged 12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a junior — somewhat of a drop from his sophomore numbers of 15.2 and 11. But that decline in statistics shouldn’t be concerning. Whenever Kazemi is eligible, the 6-foot-7 senior will offer a veteran, reliable presence down low.
Assuming he is not granted eligibility this season, he and Waverly, a junior, would comprise a formidable frontcourt. But Oregon, which already has a solid corps of size with E.J. Singler, Tony Woods and Waverly, could have a daunting set of bigs if Kazemi’s request is granted.
With Devoe Joseph and Garrett Sim no longer on the roster, Oregon’s backcourt will be inexperienced. But combine ESPNU Top 100 recruit Dominic Artis with the veteran frontcourt and the Ducks have a decent chance of making some noise in the Pac-12. Kazemi receiving immediate eligibility would only improve that chance.
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