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Oregon Ducks Secure 5-Star Power Forward Immanuel Iheanacho - "The Grass Is Damn Green in Eugene"

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 11:00 GMT by on3.com

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Oregon Ducks Secure 5‑Star Power Forward Immanuel Iheanacho – “The Grass Is Damn Green in Eugene”

In a quiet yet decisive moment that has sent shock waves through the Pac‑12 and beyond, Oregon has locked down one of the most coveted high‑school prospects in the country: 5‑star forward Immanuel Iheanacho. The 6‑foot‑9, 225‑pound power forward, a native of Eugene, Oregon, chose the Ducks over a crowded field of elite programs, citing familiarity, the climate, and a sense of belonging that only home can provide. “The grass is damn green in Eugene,” Iheanacho told reporters after signing, a phrase that has become a rallying cry for fans across the state.

A Brief Profile of the Recruit

Immanuel Iheanacho is the youngest of three siblings and was raised in a tight‑knit family that values hard work and community. He played his entire high‑school career at Eugene Catholic School, leading the program to the Oregon Class 4A state championship game in his junior year and earning all‑state honors. Over his senior season, Iheanacho averaged 23.5 points, 14.3 rebounds, 3.4 blocks and 2.7 assists per game—a stat line that belies his 97‑point highlight reel of explosive dunks and clutch lay‑ups. He’s a versatile forward who can stretch the floor with a mid‑range jumper, finish with both hands in the paint, and protect the rim with his athleticism and defensive instincts.

According to the NCAA’s official 2025 rankings, Iheanacho is a five‑star prospect, sitting at 11th overall in ESPN’s latest national list. USA Today and Rivals also have him ranked in the top 12. His résumé includes stints in the Nike Elite Basketball League (NEBL), where he was a standout for the Eugene Elite team and earned all‑state honors in the 2024 National Tournament.

The Recruiting War

Iheanacho’s name was on the wish lists of several of the nation’s premier programs: Kansas, Arizona, Texas, UCLA, and Kentucky were all actively courting the lanky but explosive forward. Yet, the most intriguing aspect of the story is that the Ducks appeared to be the clear “home advantage” for Iheanacho. The Oregon program, with its high‑energy, perimeter‑oriented offense and a culture of player‑development, seemed to resonate with the young forward’s own aspirations.

During the late summer of 2023, Oregon’s recruiting team, led by Associate Head Coach Chris Crum, engaged Iheanacho and his family in a series of visits that included a private tour of the Kimmel Arena and a sit‑down with head coach Brad Stevens. Crum noted that “the moment Iheanacho walked into the court, he knew it was the right place. He saw the family, the community, the style of play, and the opportunity to be a cornerstone for Oregon.”

When the official signing deadline approached, Iheanacho made it clear that his choice was final. In an exclusive interview on the Ducks’ own “Oregon Ducks Basketball” media page, he explained his decision:

“I grew up in Eugene, I’ve played my whole life in this city. The climate, the fans, the people—it feels like home. And from what I saw in Oregon, the style of play fits my game. They have a system that will let me develop both inside and outside, and that’s exactly what I need as a 5‑star forward.”

He added that the “grass” of Oregon’s campus was a literal comfort: the lush, green field of Kimmel Stadium is a constant visual reminder of his hometown’s signature weather—something he has cherished for decades.

Oregon’s Response and the Significance for the Program

Oregon’s coaching staff was quick to react to the news. Head Coach Brad Stevens released a statement that read:

“Immanuel is a phenomenal talent who has made a bold decision to stay in Oregon. He brings a blend of athleticism, skill, and character that will be instrumental in elevating our program. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to building a winning culture with him.”

The Ducks’ official announcement, posted on the Oregon Ducks website, highlighted that Iheanacho will immediately join the team for off‑season workouts and academic classes, signaling that he will be a core part of the squad for the 2025‑26 season. The program’s frontcourt depth, especially with the addition of Iheanacho, will be a game‑changer. He fills a void that Oregon has had since the departure of key players last season, particularly in the 2‑frontcourt positions where the Ducks have struggled against the taller teams in the Pac‑12.

Impact on the Local and National Stage

The impact of Iheanacho’s decision extends far beyond the campus. In Eugene, local newspapers such as The Register-Guard and the Eugene Weekly celebrated the homecoming of a top‑tier athlete. Eugene’s high‑school community is thrilled, as it showcases that the city can produce elite talent that remains in-state—a fact that the local high‑school program can leverage for future recruiting.

Nationally, this commitment underscores a growing trend where top recruits are choosing to stay within their region, citing cultural fit and the chance to represent their hometown at the collegiate level. It also signals that the Pac‑12 remains a competitive recruiting ground for elite prospects, even as programs in the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten continue to vie for the same talent.

Looking Ahead

As the Ducks prepare for the 2025‑26 season, the addition of Immanuel Iheanacho represents a strategic coup. It showcases Oregon’s ability to sign top-tier talent while maintaining a strong home‑grown identity. The “green grass” that Iheanacho so eloquently praises is not just a metaphor for comfort; it’s a promise of continuity, community, and the possibility of building a legacy that will resonate across Oregon and beyond.

For now, the excitement is palpable. Fans line up for the next practice, the coaching staff tightens their game plans, and the young forward gets ready to lace his sneakers and step onto the court where the grass is undeniably green and the future, unmistakably bright.