Dana Altman was immediately concerned.
The Oregon coach knew something was wrong when his athletic director, Rob Mullens, asked to meet with him shortly after the team’s pregame meal.
“I got a little nervous,” Altman said. “I was worried it was our guys. I knew something was wrong.”
Fortunately for Altman, it didn’t involve No. 7 Oregon — not directly at least. Its opponent, 10th-seeded VCU, had multiple COVID-19 positive tests and was being forced to withdraw from the tournament, making Oregon the first team to ever advance in March Madness without stepping on the floor.
His concern for his team, though, didn’t go away.
This was no way to advance in the NCAA Tournament. This was no way to prepare for facing a team like Iowa, the second seed in the West Region, and National Player of the Year favorite Luka Garza.
“The best word is disbelief,” Altman said. “Obviously, it’s a unique situation.”
Point guard Will Richardson said the Ducks had a mixed reaction to the news. They knew something was up when Altman called for a team meeting. They were thankful the news didn’t impact their standing, but disappointed not to play a game after a week of preparation and practice.
Oregon (20-6) could be rusty on Monday. Expecting to play a game on Saturday night, it didn’t have a full practice on Friday. To make up for that inactivity, it had a quick practice after the news and Altman was planning to have another practice on Sunday. By the time the Ducks tip off on Monday shortly after noon, they will have had 10 days off.
“It’s a long layoff. So that first five, 10 minutes, we have to get going,” Altman said. “We have to get them up early and be ready to go at noon. I am worried about the first 10 minutes of the game, just getting back in the flow of things after a 10-day layoff.”
This could work both ways, though. Oregon may have more in the tank than if it played and was pushed by VCU. It may be able to press more. It could’ve been eliminated. It’s just one win away from the Sweet 16, albeit against a favored opponent.
That was Altman’s focus on Sunday, getting his team ready to face one of the premier offensive teams in the country. The 6-foot-11 multi-skilled Garza, averaging 23.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, is just one of several Iowa weapons. Six different Hawkeyes average at least 7.1 points per game. Joe Wieskamp is the third-ranked 3-point shooter in the country at 46.7 percent.
The balanced Ducks feature a starting lineup in which everyone averages in double figures, and entered the tournament playing well, winners of six of their past seven games. They own four wins over tournament teams, although nobody near the caliber of Iowa.
“It’s a big challenge for us,” Altman said. “A very gifted offensive team. It’s going to take a big-time effort from our guys to give ourselves an opportunity.”