Dylan Ennis finally got the answer he wanted.
The NCAA granted Ennis a rare sixth year of eligibility Thursday, marking the end to a long inquiry that determined if Ennis would be able to play more basketball with Oregon, or would be forced to pursue difficult professional opportunities after missing out on all NBA Draft activities.
Ennis was limited to two appearances last season because of a foot injury, playing once against Western Oregon and again in the PAC-12 season opener against Oregon State totaling 21 minutes of playing time. The Toronto-based point guard hoped for a medical red-shirt, and after the Ducks’ run in the NCAA Tournament applied for it because of his injuries.
It’s safe to say Oregon is very happy to have Ennis back, and now expectations are quickly on their way up for the Ducks next season. Many had Oregon, who went to the Elite Eight in March, as a top 10 team in way-too-early-pre-season projections, and it seems with Ennis’s return that ceiling has been shattered.
Here are some of the many tweets reacting to the return of Ennis next season:
It’s official! I will be an Oregon Duck next year! Thank you @NCAA for another opportunity. But most of all, THANK YOU GOD! #GoDucks
— Dylan J. Ennis (@canadiankidDJE) June 30, 2016
NCAA Grants @canadiankidDJE Sixth Year: https://t.co/Nz1Xkuy1YZ
— Oregon Basketball (@OregonMBB) June 30, 2016
What terrific news for a young man who has so worked hard and deserves the opportunity to play with @OregonMBB! https://t.co/C2ixPkr4wm
— Jerry Allen (@VoiceoftheDucks) June 30, 2016
Dylan Ennis has had his 6th year approved by the NCAA. He’s back on the Oregon roster for 2016-17.
— Matt Prehm (@Prehmmr247) June 30, 2016
“It would be criminal if they didn’t make the Final 4”- @AaronJFentress with @SportsTalk953 on the @OregonMBB next season.
— 95.3 The Score (@953TheScore) June 30, 2016
Peyton Pritchard,Dorsey,Benson and Ennis? #TooManyDudes https://t.co/DO6Bca4yMy
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) June 30, 2016
And the Pit Crew is pretty fired up as well:
DYLAN ENNIS HAS BEEN GRANTED A SIXTH YEAR MEANING HE WILL BE JOINING @OregonMBB FOR THE UPCOMING BASKETBALL SEASON! #GoDucks
— Oregon Pit Crew (@OregonPitCrew) June 30, 2016
With Ennis back Oregon only loses Elgin Cook and Dwayne Benjamin form last year’s team.
2016-17 Roster Right Now:
Dylan Ennis
Dillon Brooks
Chris Boucher
Jordan Bell
Tyler Dorsey
Casey Benson
Kendall Small
Roman Sorkin
Phil RIchmond
Charlie Noebel
Incoming Recuits (all 4 stars):
Payton Pritchard
Kavell Bigby-Williams (No. 1 JC player in the country)
Keith Smith
MJ Cage
