Don Monson - Oregon Ducks

Oregon Ducks

Following the 1983 season, Monson moved up to the Pac-10 conference, coaching the University of Oregon in Eugene. He took over a 9-18 team from former head coach Jim Haney. Monson's best record at Oregon came in his first season, as the 1984 Ducks went 11-7 in the Pac-10 and 16-13 (.552) overall. Monson went 116-145 (.444) in nine seasons, but never made the NCAA tournament. The Ducks qualified for the NIT three times, but only won one game, in 1988.

Monson's final year at Oregon was the 1992 season, which ended with a dismal 2-16 record in conference and 6-21 (.222) overall. He was replaced by Jerry Green, who coached the Ducks for five seasons before leaving for Tennessee after the 1997 season. Green was succeeded by Ernie Kent.

Monson's Oregon Ducks never faced the Idaho Vandals during his nine seasons in Eugene. The two teams played the season before Monson arrived (his last at Idaho, in the Far West Classic, a Vandal victory) and the one immediately after he departed in December 1992.

Monson's teams went 216-186 (.537) in his 14 seasons as a head coach. His best finish was with his 1982 Idaho Vandals, a #3 seed in the West regional that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, and spent time in the national polls in the Top Ten. They finished 27-3 without a starter taller than 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m).

In December 2004, Gonzaga honored Monson with the second annual "Battle in Seattle Award," presented to an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong contribution to basketball in the Pacific Northwest. Marv Harshman was the inaugural recipient a year earlier.

Monson currently resides in Spokane, as does his former boss and mentor Jud Heathcote.