Oregon Ducks Basketball’s Deja Kelly: 'Continuing to Think Long-Term'

The Oregon Ducks women’s basketball program has made a significant splash in the transfer portal this offseason, adding several talented players to their roster. Deja Kelly is one of the more notable newcomers, a fifth-year senior coming to Oregon from North Carolina.

Mar 3, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Deja Kelly (25) drives against Duke Blue Devils guard Celeste Taylor (0) during the first half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images / William Howard-Imagn Images

EUGENE- It is no secret that the Oregon women's basketball program aggressively attacked the transfer portal this offseason. The Ducks retooled with seven notable transfers, including Salimatou Kourouma, Amina Muhammad, Ari Long, Nani Falatea, Alexis Whitfield, and Elisa Mevius. The transfers bring experience, athleticism, and offensive power to the Ducks' roster, but Oregon coach Kelly Graves' biggest portal grab is arguably fifth-year senior Deja Kelly.

Kelly recently spoke with a panel at Bloomberg's Power Players New York, where she gave insight into her decision to transfer from North Carolina to Oregon for her final season of eligibility.

"Just thinking about my future, I think I had a great four years, great career at UNC. I got my degree, so it was a great experience. But for me, just continuing to think long-term," she said.

There are many factors that go into how a student-athlete selects their future school. NIL, location, and projected playing time are all factors that come into play, but for Kelly, the two main factors were her education and Oregon's coaching staff.

Oregon coach Kelly Graves high-fives his team before their game against USC at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

"I can get my master's in a year, so that was obviously very appealing with Oregon. And then from a basketball standpoint, I think the coach is great. Kelly [Graves] has been great. He really has developed pros in his past years of coaching," she said.

Graves has been instrumental in developing student-athletes into professional stars. Former Ducks Satou and Nyara Sabally, as well as Ruthy Hebard and Erin Boley, all made it to the WNBA after their respective seasons at Oregon.

One of Graves' most notable success stories is Sabrina Ionescu. A three-time All-American and the NCAA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, Ionescu flourished under Graves' coaching. Her exceptional skills and leadership led Oregon to multiple Pac-12 championships and deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Following her collegiate career, Ionescu was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft and has become a star for the New York Liberty.

Aug 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) gestures against the LA Sparks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Watching players like Sabrina, like Satou, you know, just from that group definitely factored into my decision," Kelly told Mosley. "Watching their development, specifically Sabrina...that definitely played a big part," Kelly told GoDucks editor-in-chief Rob Mosley about her decision.

Kelly comes to Oregon with the goal of restoring the women's basketball program to its former glory. The Ducks had a challenging season last year, ending on a record-breaking 14-game losing streak. Kelly is hoping to help the Ducks recover from the woes of last season.

"She is a prolific scorer and such a unique talent who elevates everyone around her," said Oregon coach Kelly Graves."She is a really skilled ball-handler who can create her own shot and create for teammates, but she can also play off the ball and knock down the three while also playing great perimeter defense."

Mar 22, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Courtney Banghart speaks with guard Deja Kelly (25) against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

At UNC, Kelly was a three-time first-team All-ACC selection and the program's eighth-leading scorer all-time with 1,851 career points. She also averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and three assists during her collegiate career. Kelly started all four years and led the Tar Heels in scoring the past three seasons.

"Her basketball IQ, drive, and work ethic are second to none," said Graves. "She is a tremendous leader with high character who will make an immediate impact on our program."

---

MORE: How To Watch Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State: Channel, Streaming, Big Ten Blackout?

More: Oregon Ducks Coach Wears Statement T-Shirt Before Boise State

MORE: Quarterback Bo Nix Named Denver Broncos Captain, Makes History

MORE: [WATCH] Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning Locker Room 'Disappointed' Speech Shows His Greatness

MORE: Oregon Ducks Football Release Uniforms for Boise State Matchup: PHOTOS

MORE: Former Oregon Ducks Running Back Bucky Irving Chance For Bulk Of Tampa Bay Carries?