Those fans didn’t just show up at home. They showed up every- didn’t matter where we played, Eugene always brought a crowd.” That support reached another level at Mizzou Arena.
amazing,” Richard said. “Having that experience helped calm the nerves.” Busch agreed, noting how much more comfortable the team Coach Wilde saw that growth, too. “Our experience from last year helped us prepare better,” he said. “We knew what to expect and how to handle the moment.” For Wilde personally, the return trip it all in. “Before the championship game, I took a moment to look around and appreciate everything,” he said. “Just to see the support and think about how far this group has come.” er sounded, there was no doubt they had done it again. “It was a great feeling,” Busch said. “Winning back-to-back is something I’ll never forget.” “It was happiness, but also emotion-
best friends.” That’s what makes this run special. It’s not just the championships, it’s the people. This group of seniors didn’t just win together. They grew up together. And now, they leave behind some- thing bigger than themselves. to me and my family,” Richard said. “It’s something we’ll always be proud of.” For Busch, the moment carried that same weight. “It means so much to me and everyone who was a part of it,” he said. “I can’t thank my family, coaches, and teammates enough.”
to say I beat him twice. But really, it means a lot to my whole family.” is something that will live forever,” he said. “But what’s been even more special is how this community has embraced my family. That means everything to me.”
That sense of community is at the heart of Eugene basketball. It’s in the packed stands. The road crowds. The support from local businesses. And the pride that comes with representing something bigger than yourself. “I’m grateful for our community,” Wilde said. “They show up for us in a way that’s really special.” That pride is something these players will carry with them long af-
22 /// May 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116
