Oregon's Barthelemy returns to face Arizona in tournament

Oregon guard Keeshawn Barthelemy is gearing up for a crucial NCAA Tournament game against Arizona. The matchup carries extra significance for Barthelemy, who dislocated his right ankle during a game against the Wildcats on January 27, 2024. This injury sidelined him for the rest of last season and led him to return for a sixth year. Now, Barthelemy is having a strong season, averaging 10.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He is determined to show his resilience and prove he is back in form. “It’s a little extra motivation to play Arizona,” he said, expressing a desire to compete and help his team win. Last season, Barthelemy was injured in a play with Arizona's Pelle Larsson. Although he had to be carried off the court, he remained close to the team during their postseason. His return has been important, as he is now the only senior on a team with many new transfers. Oregon forward Kwame Evans Jr. praised Barthelemy's leadership and performance this season. Barthelemy has taken on a starting role and is shooting a career-high 41.6% from three-point range. Oregon coach Dana Altman highlighted Barthelemy's comeback as an inspiring story for the team. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and battling through injuries. Barthelemy shares a living space with center Nate Bittle, who also missed last year’s tournament. Together, they aim to lead Oregon deep into this year's tournament.