Keeshawn Barthelemy clarifies future plans; 'I'm here at Oregon — this is gonna be my school'
If Keeshawn Barthelemy plays college basketball next season, it will be in an Oregon uniform.
Following the Ducks’ season-ending loss Tuesday evening, Barthelemy met with reporters and was asked about his future plans.
The junior guard transferred in from Colorado last offseason and proved to be a key player down the stretch for Dana Altman’s program after battling injuries early in the season.
Barthelemy provided a rather vague answer as to whether he will play college basketball next year but noted that if he does indeed return for his senior season, it will be as an Oregon Duck.
“The decision factor is gonna be time. I’ve just gotta talk to my family,” Barthelemy said. “I won’t be transferring schools at all. I’m here at Oregon. This is gonna be my school. So, ya’ll don’t have to worry about that.”
Barthelemy said he has registered for spring classes. When asked for clarity on his future plans after his initial answer, he said he will explore professional options.
“I won’t be transferring schools. Oregon is my school,” Barthelemy said. “I’ve gotta think about what I can do, and I’ll talk to my parents. My parents are always involved in my decisions.”
Barthelemy was asked if he will “test the waters” for the NBA Draft and said that isn’t in his plans at this point.
“I don’t know if I’m gonna test the waters for the NBA,” Barthelemy said. “I’m gonna talk to my parents. See if I can play pro ball somewhere — anywhere. I’m open to anything. Oregon is definitely my school. This is where I see myself next year.”
In 24 games this season, including eight starts, Barthelmy averaged 9.3 points and 2.4 assists on 41% shooting, including 36% from three-point range.
A foot injury kept him sidelined from Nov. 21 through Jan. 12.
During Oregon’s three-game run through the NIT, Barthelemy was the program’s lone healthy, scholarship guard and played 108-of-120 possible minutes over a six-day span.
While meeting reporters on Tuesday, Altman said he will meet with each of Oregon’s players in the coming weeks to discuss their futures.
Senior guard Will Richardson is the lone Duck who has exhausted his eligibility, and four other seniors are eligible to return for another season.
Oregon has signed three players to its 2023 class: 5-star forward Kwame Evans, 5-star forward Mookie Cook, and 4-star point guard Jackson Shelstad.
Earlier this week, the Ducks landed a commitment from JUCO guard Jadrian Tracey.
