5-star guard passes on Cori Close and UCLA in favor of Big Ten rival

Oregon women’s basketball continues its slow crawl back to prominence. 

Former 5-star point guard Avary Cain, who averaged 1.5 points in 8.4 minutes per game at UCLA last season, committed to head coach Kelly Graves and the Ducks this past week. The school announced Cain’s commitment early Friday afternoon. 

The 6-foot-1 guard shot 23.8% from the field last season but struggled to build any consistency throughout her year with the Bruins. 

It was no help to her that UCLA was extraordinarily good and it’s hard to get minutes on a top-ranked team as a freshman. 

All four UCLA freshmen from last year’s class entered the transfer portal this month.

Elina Aarnisalo, Kendall Dudley, and Zania Socka-Ngueman were the Bruins’ other freshman to leave the team after one season. Cain will have three years of eligibility remaining. 

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

"Obviously, it was super challenging not being able to get on the court with such amazing girls. It was super upsetting and a lot of confidence was lost in a sense," Cain said. "But, I learned a lot just about how much hard work can get you. Continuing to work even though obviously it wasn't my time at UCLA and just putting my trust in God. The biggest takeaway I have is putting my faith and trust in God and continuing to work." 

Cain should have ample opportunity to hit her stride as a player for the Ducks. Oregon was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.