Regulation size autographed Wilson Basketball signed by current University of Oregon Men's Basketball Coach Ernie Kent

Ernie Kent (born January 22, 1955 in Rockford, Illinois) is the current head men's basketball coach at the University of Oregon. He has been the Ducks' coach since he replaced Jerry Green after Green left for University of Tennessee after the 1996-97 season. Prior to becoming head coach at Oregon, Kent was an assistant at Stanford University and also coached at St. Mary's as well as abroad in Saudi Arabia.

Oregon under Ernie Kent has been known for playing an up-tempo pace and four guard lineups. Kent is also known as a great motivational speaker. After losing in the Elite Eight of the 2002 NCAA tournament, Kent delivered a lifting, memorable speech about the value of bouncing back after defeat.

Coach Kent and the Ducks return to the 2008 NCAA tournament as a 9 seed, despite finishing the regular season with an 18-13 record. They lost to Mississippi State in the 1st round 76-69. 2009 looks promising for the Ducks with yet another solid recruiting class coming in, including 6'9 center Michael Dunigan, one of the top centers in the nation. On July 18, 2008 the University of Oregon extended Kent's contract through the 2012-2013 season.