Did anyone realize hoops season is upon us? It didn't really occur to me until I saw the highlights from Isiah Thomas' unimpressive college coaching debut last night. Wanna know what else didn't occur to me? That there's a Winston-Salem State. But apparently there must be, because the Ducks open their hoops season against them Friday night. Anyway, enough rambling. Here's your Morning Quack Fix:
- Not surprisingly, there's been much discussion about LeGarrette Blount's reinstatement. The R-G's Adam Jude examines how Blount will fit in. The Oregonian's John Canzano compares Blount to former Oregon defensive back Rodney Woods, while John Hunt talks about James Harris, Oregon athletic department's nutritionist and life skills director, who helped Blount stay on task. CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd, ESPN.com's Ted Miller, Sporting News' Matt Hayes, FoxSports.com's Pete Fiutak, and of course, ATQ's PaulSF (shameless plug alert!) all offer their opinions on the subject. Does anyone not have an opinion on Blount?
- According to Miller, Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson still doesn't know who he's going to start against the Ducks on Saturday: Danny Sullivan or Brock Osweiler. I'm not sure it'll matter. If USC can hold the Sun Devils to 9 points, chances are we'll be able to.
- The R-G's Ron Bellamy issued a feature on Tim Wilson, the Oregon men's basketball team's strength and conditioning coach. Wilson was hired to fill the newly created position after head coach Ernie Kent's contract was extended following the 2007-08 season, and apparently we'll be seeing an immediate impact—at least when it comes to individual physiques—when the Ducks open the hoops season Friday.
- Our SB Nation counterpart in Wisconsin, Bucky's 5th Quarter, posted the fourth rendition of their amusing mock playoff bracket. They've got the Ducks beating Cincy in the first round, but losing to Florida in Round 2. Fair 'nuff.
- Ted Miller reported that Oregon's T.J. Ward, along with five other Pac-10 players, have already accepted invitations to the postseason East-West Shrine Game. Expect to see more Ducks on the list in the coming weeks.
- Yesterday saw a couple non-hoops/football releases via GoDucks.com: The Oregon baseball team released its 2010 season schedule, and the Oregon men’s and women’s cross country teams will host the NCAA West Regional this Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Springfield Country Club.
As always, leave any relevant links or comments below.
GO DUCKS!