Final Four 2017: Oregon does something not seen since 2008 UCLA run

With Oregon part of the Final Four 2017, a PAC-12 team will represent at this stage for the first time since 2008.

Right now, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love have pretty successful careers in the NBA. One is trying to do what he can to lead the Thunder to playoff spot, while the other plays for the defending champs.

Well, now one of their special moments from playing at UCLA has been overtaken. With the win over Kansas on Saturday, Oregon became the first PAC-12 team to make the Final Four since 2008.

It is a feat many thought that this year’s Bruins would pull off. If not them, at least the Arizona Wildcats — but here we are.

The Ducks put the Jayhawks to sleep, silencing them in an upset among top seeds. Squeaking by Michigan paid off tremendously, as now they’ll be fighting for a championship berth.

On the UCLA side of things, Lonzo Ball has now declared for the NBA draft. Scouts and fans were hoping to see all they could out of the freshman point guard, but it came to an early halt.

History for Oregon’s program doesn’t stop there, though.

It was also the first time the Ducks have made the Final Four since 1939. All of these 78 years later, they’re back and better than they’ve ever been.

Kansas looked unstoppable before their Elite Eight appearance. Nothing really seemed like it could phase them, and they were clicking on all cylinders.

Questions now linger over UCLA’s program, while Oregon continues to thrive and succeed. With Ball heading to the NBA, how they handle the next transition could be either great or detrimental to their chances next year.

Next: Clippers Clinch Sixth Straight Playoff Berth

Also, head coach Steve Alford will have to decide if he’ll be sticking around as well — but that’s all too be determined.