The University of Portland men’s basketball team has opened up the Terry Porter era unscathed through three games. They’ve won each contest by double figures, including a 46-point rout of Division III Lewis & Clark College. But the Pilots will have their first major test of the season on the national stage Thanksgiving evening.
They face No. 14 UCLA in the opening round of the DirecTV Wooden Legacy Tournament on ESPN2.
“You play sports for the chance to play against the best,” Porter said. “What better opportunity to play against UCLA on national TV?”
The three-day tournament in Southern California will play host to eight teams. Joining the Pilots and Bruins in the tournament are a slew of big conference schools such as Virginia Tech, Nebraska, and Texas A&M. Dayton, who has qualified for three consecutive NCAA tournaments, will also be in mix.
None of these teams will have a matchup with Portland circled on their bracket. The Pilots are an obvious underdog. So they have to bring their ‘A’ game. If they can’t win, they must at least stay competitive.
Starting the season on a high note is a confidence booster heading into their opening round matchup against the Bruins.
“We needed to be 3-0 coming into this tournament,” sophomore guard Jazz Johnson said.
The next couple days will reveal just how good the Pilots are right now. It’s still unclear how much, or if, they’re better than last year’s 12-win team.
What’s encouraging is that it’s been more than a one-man show on offense. Senior Alec Wintering, a first team all-WCC performer from last season, has had help on the scoreboard. Junior Gabe Taylor has transitioned into a starring role as the team’s second leading scorer at 17.3 points per game, including a career-high 24 against San Jose State. Johnson has also relieved Wintering’s offensive load in the backcourt. He’s pouring in more than 14 points per contest.
But the tournament will place the biggest spotlight on Porter thus far. Establishing a winning culture in the program has been a priority for him since taking over as head coach. We’ll see how far along Portland is in the process as they play against NCAA tournament-caliber competition.
“[This tournament is] a measuring stick for us,” Porter said.
For the players, the tournament will provide national exposure. Wintering-- an early-entry candidate in last year’s NBA draft-- will have the chance to showcase his skills to more pro scouts. It’s also a platform for many of the other players to get their name recognized outside of the West Coast Conference.
“It’s an incredible opportunity, especially for a person like me who didn’t go out and play AAU,” Johnson said.
Portland will begin their test against the Bruins at 8 p.m. tonight on ESPN2.
