Seeing as how this is Civil War hoops week #1, ConnorOSU over at Building the Dam approached me about doing a Q&A sesh. Here's (approximately) how the email exchange went:
ConnorOSU: Hey Tako, it's ConnorOSU from Building the Dam. Would you be interested in doing a Q&A for the upcoming Civil War game? Let me know.
Takimoto: I WILL GRANT YOU YOUR INTERVIEW, PEON, BUT FIRST I HAVE A LIST OF DEMANDS. I REQUIRE TWENTY-EIGHT GREEN M&M'S, INSIDE A CARVED-OUT COCONUT SHELL, ON MY DESK, FIRST THING THURSDAY MORNING. YOU'LL HAVE TO PASS THROUGH SECURITY, AND JUANITA TENDS TO GET HANDSY DURING THE SCREENING. DEAL WITH IT. NEXT, A GOLDEN EAGLE SHALL DELIVER YOUR QUESTIONS IN AN ENVELOPE BEARING A GOLD-EMBOSSED ADDICTED TO QUACK LOGO. YOU WILL ADDRESS ME AT ALL TIMES IN THE INTERVIEW AS "THE COMMODORE, SIR, KING OF ALL THAT IS GLORIOUS". LASTLY, YOU MUST REQUIRE THAT ALL BUILDING THE DAM MEMBERS REC THE POST UNDER PUNISHMENT OF THE BANHAMMER.
ConnorOSU: Look, you're literally my last choice of the entire ATQ staff. You're barely a writer, I just need someone with editor power so it looks official. No one's even gonna read it. It's nine freakin' questions. So just shut up and do it.
Takimoto: Don't you mean, shut up and do it COMMODORE, SIR, KING OF ALL THAT IS GLORIOUS?
ConnorOSU: No.
Needless to say, ConnorOSU eventually bowed to my reasonable demands, and the interview went off without a hitch. After the jump are his answers to my Beaver-related queries, and a link to the sexier other half will be hitting BTD at some point today can be found HERE.
1. Now that the presidential luster has worn off Craig Robinson, has the Beaver fanbase's opinion changed?
I think the Beaver fan base couldn't care less about the whole "presidential" thing, we just want wins. But the athletic department does, and as long as Obama is in office and we go to the CBI every year, we'll keep him around.
2. What are the Beavers best and worst at?
Best: Steals. The Beavers lead the nation with 11 a steals per game, while Jared Cunningham is third in the nation with three a game.
Worst: We aren't terrible at anything, but we are inconsistent in just about anything. One of the most frustrating things personally is that we miss A TON of open shots, especially close to the basket. If we made half of the non-contested layups that we miss every game, our record would be a lot better.
3. Which player should Duck fans be worried about Saturday?
Jared Cunningham. Cunningham averages 15 ppg, including 24 points last Saturday against USC. He's also good for one jaw-dropping dunk per game, so watch out for that,
4. Off topic, but any thoughts on Jacquizz Rodgers declaring for the NFL Draft?
It obviously sucks, and there is no way to replace the heart, touches, and work-horse attitude that he brought every game. But I don't think it's as huge a loss as everyone is making it out to be. Losing players is a part of any sport, especially college football, and if the past is any indication, then we will find a solid replacement for him.
5. Best case scenario, when does the Beavers' season end?
Mid-March, in a second round NIT loss. I know that seems pretty far out, but this team does have the talent to make a late season run. We just have to put it all together.
6. Are you experiencing arena envy yet?
Arena envy? Yes. Court envy? No.
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