Jared Light and David Piper from SB Nation's Oregon blog, Addicted To Quack, were kind enough to answer a few questions for us before tonight's opening round matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the Arizona State Sun Devils. Tipoff is at 9:40 PM Arizona time on FSN.
HoS: What is your quick assessment of the season for the Oregon Ducks in 2010-11?
Jared: The Ducks were widely though to be the worst team in the Pac-10, were breaking in a new coach, and suffered a lot of attrition over last offseason. Duck fans had incredibly low expectations on the season. And we were treated to a team that won 7 wins, took the 7th spot in the Pac-10 tourney, swept the Beavs, and knocked off the Huskies. While the swoon at the end of the season was tough, this team was exciting to watch, and after the last two years, that's all I was hoping for.
HoS: Have you had a chance to catch a game at Matthew Knight Arena? If so, is it awesome?
David: Yes. Matthew Knight Arena is awesome. Its a shrine to opulence and excess, stretched even further because the down economy allowed the University to get every dream they wanted for their $200 million. To see all the features of this shiny new toy that Uncle Phil has bestowed upon us, check out ATQ's photo tour.
HoS: Oregon is 0-2 against the Sun Devils this season. Any reason to believe that they can turn it around on Wednesday night against ASU?
Jared: Well, there's some hope, only because the Ducks shouldn't lose to a team like the Sun Devils 3 times, should they? Unfortunately, ASU's zone gives Oregon fits. The Ducks simply don't have a go-to player that can take down a zone. A lot of players have to be playing well to be successful. That has happened in some games, but most definitely didn't happen in the two ASU games. The Sun Devils forced the Ducks into terrible shooting, and the Ducks didn't do anything to try and attack the Sun Devil defense. A pathetic defensive effort in the second game didn't help things.
I don't think Oregon will be losing by twenty this time around, but I'm not feeling all that great about the matchup. I think it ends up being a coin toss game.
We talk about the Pac-12, next year's football team and E.J. Singler after the jump.
HoS: Is your fanbase ready for football yet? I'm really excited about the Pac-12 and the possibilities that it brings. ASU and Oregon legitimately could meet in the championship game this season.
Jared: YES! The NCAA drama, which will go unresolved for some time if we hear anything at all, has only further fueled my desire for actual football again. And the Pac-12 will add something this season that we've never seen. I enjoyed the Pac-10 round robin, but Larry Scott has been very proactive in improving the conference, and I think this is a step in the right direction.
I'm excited to see what ASU does this year. They finished the season strong and lost some heartbreakers, and with all the returning talent, will be fun to watch in the south.
HoS: E.J. Singler -- has he hit his ceiling, or do you think he can develop into a great player?
Jared: I think he's hit a ceiling. That's not a knock on him, but I just don't see him developing into a great player. He's a great player to have on your team, and does a lot of things very well, but he's not a player you want to depend on for scoring as your first or second option.
Thanks to the folks over at AtQ, and go Devils!