Ducks Digest

NBA 2K25 Summer League: Oregon Ducks' N'Faly Dante Blocks Bronny James, Others in Action on Day 1

The NBA2K25 Summer League is tipping off, and a few former Oregon Ducks are preparing to make a lasting impression at the ten-day-long showcase.

Olivia Cleary

Apr 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards forward Eugene Omoruyi (97) drives to the net as Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) closes in during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.
Apr 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards forward Eugene Omoruyi (97) drives to the net as Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) closes in during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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EUGENE- Las Vegas heats up for the NBA 2K25 Summer League, and so do some former Oregon Ducks who are set to hit the court at the Thomas & Mack Center over the next ten days.

Former Oregon men's basketball standouts Eugene Omoruyi, Jermaine Couisnard, N'Faly Dante, and Kel'el Ware, who transferred from Oregon to Indiana before being drafted, are all competing at the NBA 2K25 Summer League.

Eugene Omoruyi

Former Duck Eugene Omoruyi is competing as a Washington Wizard. After playing for both the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Oregon Ducks in college, he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft. Despite his name not being called at the draft, Omoruyi signed a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks. However, a season-ending injury in December of that year put his NBA debut on hold.

Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Eugene Omoruyi (97) is fouled while shooting by Portland T
Apr 5, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Eugene Omoruyi (97) is fouled while shooting by Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) as Trail Blazers center Duop Reath (26) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In March, the Wizards converted Omoruyi's contract to a standard NBA deal. Now healthy and with Washington, Omoruyi is determined to carve out his niche in the league.

On Day 1 of the NBA 2K25 Summer League, Omoruyi and the Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks 94-88. Omoruyi scored eight points while contributing five rebounds, two assists, four steals, and a block.

Jermaine Couisnard

Oregon's Jermaine Couisnard put on an incredible performance in his final collegiate season with the Ducks. The East Chicago, Indiana, native averaged 16.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He also scored a season-high 40 points in Oregon's win against his former  South Carolina, setting a school record for most points in an NCAA Tournament game.

Oregon Ducks guard Jermaine Couisnard (5) shoots the ball against Creighton Bluejays
Mar 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Jermaine Couisnard (5) shoots the ball against Creighton Bluejays guard Trey Alexander (23) during the first half in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Following the 2023-24 season, Couisnard worked out with various NBA teams  around the nation. On June 28, Couisnard signed with the New Orleans Pelicans as an undrafted free agent.

Although Couisnard did not play in the first game, he is expected to get playing time later in the week.

N'Faly Dante

N'Faly Dante is another notable Duck competing in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and has already made an impact for the Houston Rockets in his NBA debut. Dante started at center and scored two points in the Rockets' 99-80 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. Per usual, Dante was a force on the boards, adding seven rebounds, the second most of all players. Dante also had a block against Bronny James.

Oregon Ducks center N'Faly Dante (1) dunks the ball against Creighton Bluejays
Mar 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks center N'Faly Dante (1) dunks the ball against Creighton Bluejays guard Baylor Scheierman (55) in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Dante is just the fourth NBA player from Mali. Historically, there have only been three: Cheick Diallo (New Orleans Pelicans), Sagaba Konate (Toronto Raptors), and Adama Sanogo (Chicago Bulls).

Kel'el Ware

Kel'el Ware is a young center on the rise in the NBA. Drafted 15th overall by the Miami Heat in 2024, Ware played college ball for Oregon before transferring to Indiana last season.

Kel'el Ware arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kel'el Ware arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Ware has averaged 19.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game across his first two Summer League outings. He will play his first game of the NBA 2k25 Summer League against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, July 13, at 3:30 p.m. PDT.

Stay up to date on all things Oregon Ducks by visiting Oregon Ducks on SI daily and following Oregon Ducks on SI on Facebook and X.

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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