No disrespect intended towards Cal, but today we're gonna lead with some hoops.
We're gonna lead with some hoops because what happened yesterday - albeit expected - is nothing short of amazing, when you consider the shambles left in the wake of Ernie Kent's firing. Dana Altman had a lot to sell: playing time, resurrecting a program that was a conference contender just a few years ago, an amazing new facility, new staff, new offense and a rabid fan base sure to embrace anyone wearing the green and yellow. Sell he did, signing four quality players in what was ranked the no. 19 class by Rivals and no. 18 by ESPN. Well done, sir. Well done.
- R-G UO hoops beat writer Bob Clark with the rundown of Oregon's LOI-day coup: Jabari Brown, Bruce Barron, Brett Kingma and Austin Kuemper.
- John Hunt of The Oregonian provides brief profiles for each new Duck.
- Paul Westhead also landed four new recruits, receiving LOIs from two guards and two forwards...I'm guessing they can all run and shoot. And...Jim Moore hopes to continue Oregon's rise in the volleyball ranks with three new recruits, including Oregon's Gatorade player of the year, Elizabeth Brenner from Jesuit H.S., and two talented California hitters.
- CGB's wise sage Avinash with one of the best "Chip Kelly and his offense" breakdowns ever. Excellent commentary and a huge dose of keeerrrttt1 videos. This should keep you busy all day.
- Cal will use depth to try and counter Oregon's speed and frantic pace. Question is, is Cal's depth talented enough or prepared enough to handle one of the nation's top offenses?
- John Hunt with a nice feature on Oregon conditioning guru Jim Radcliffe. I keep wondering when we'll see Radcliffe on the cover of ESPN the mag...I mean, all the guy is doing is revolutionizing the way college football is played.
- Brian Bennett has declared himself ready if needed. He has good reason for his confidence, and if your man crush on Bennett has been waning, you seriously need to look at how he responded to a similar situation in high school. Spoiler alert: even Matt Barkley and no. 1 ranked Mater Dei we're left in Bennett's wake.
- The legend of Chip Kelly continues to grow. People who get caught up in Chip's post-game interview demeanor with the press are missing the big picture.
- Rob Moseley's Wednesday practice report: injury list is short, Jackson Rice is holding placekicks and Rob Beard nailed a 54-yarder.
- Seattle Times writer Bud Withers on Oregon's assault on the Pac-10 record books.
You know the rules. Keeping good quack to yourself isn't allowed. Please support your fellow Duck fans and post anything good in the comments. Go Ducks...and thank you veterans.