The Oregon men's basketball program has witnessed a significant shift in recent times. Once characterized by a wait-and-see attitude among the masses, the No. 12 Ducks (9-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have now soared into the top 15 in polls and efficiency, boasting multiple marquee wins in nonconference play. With UCLA (7-1, 1-0) set to grace Matthew Knight Arena this afternoon at 3 p.m. on the Big Ten Network, a five-figure crowd is not just desired but truly deserved.

Coach Dana Altman's Vision for a Great Atmosphere

Oregon coach Dana Altman emphasizes the importance of creating a great atmosphere for the team. "Our home wins have been consistent, but we haven't reached the top 10 or top 20 level yet. When the students and everyone are involved, the atmosphere in this building can be exceptional. Our guys have always competed, even when we were undermanned in a few games. We hope to have a great atmosphere and establish a true home court," he said.Despite 14 consecutive 20-win seasons under Altman, the Ducks have had just one sellout since 2018-19, specifically last season against Arizona. This spans a remarkable 92 home games. The four West Coast members of the Big Ten lag behind the rest of the conference in fan support early this season, with the exception of Northwestern.Oregon's average attendance of 5,681 ranks 74th nationally and 16th in the Big Ten this season, ahead only of UCLA and USC. It is expected to improve as conference play begins, especially after New Year's, but currently stands as the lowest in the 14-season history of the arena."We need to make this our home court. Our football stadium may be small compared to others, but it's lively and makes a difference. In basketball, having everyone close by makes a huge impact. We've had great crowds over the years, and I hope our fans keep up with other fan bases during this transition into the Big Ten," Altman added.

UCLA's Upcoming Challenge

The Bruins have played one of the weakest schedules in the country so far, ranking 348th out of 364 Division I teams according to KenPom. However, that will change significantly with today's game. Former Oregon State forward Tyler Bilodeau (14.1 points, 6.1 rebounds) and former USC guard Kobe Johnson are key components of this year's UCLA squad. Mick Cronin's teams have always played competitively against the Ducks."Defensively, they'll be aggressive and physical. Offensively, they'll work the ball and take the shots they want. It will be a physical game, and we need to be ready. They are talented, and our games against them over the past 3-4 years have been hard-nosed. We know we have our work cut out for us," Altman stated.

The Importance of Home Court Advantage

Home court advantage is crucial in basketball. A lively crowd can inspire the team and create an electric atmosphere. The Ducks have the potential to thrive in front of their fans, and with the right support, they can reach new heights. The upcoming game against UCLA presents an opportunity to showcase the team's abilities and build on their recent success.The low attendance figures this season are a wake-up call for the Oregon fan base. It's time to come out in full force and show their support for the team. A strong home court can give the Ducks an edge and help them compete at a higher level.As the Ducks prepare to take on UCLA, the focus is on creating a memorable atmosphere and building on their momentum. With the right combination of talent and support, the Oregon men's basketball program has the potential to make a significant impact in the Big Ten.