NBA Draft Surprises, Trades, and the Iranian Connection

Alex Hausman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The 2013 NBA Draft had many story lines.  It was commissioner David Stern’s last NBA draft as he is set to retire this upcoming February.  The consensus projected number one pick, Nerlens Noel, fell all the way to the New Orleans Pelicans at number six only to be traded to the 76ers along with a first round pick in next years draft …

Reggie Daniels – Layin’ the Wood and About to be Heard

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

If you haven’t heard about Reggie Daniels, you’re about to, whether you read on or not. The 6’1″ 200 pound redshirt freshman safety is said to be the real deal by program insiders. Ranked 4-stars by 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN coming out of Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, Daniels was the prized catch of defensive backs coach John …

Oregon’s Dominance Prevented Marcus Mariota From Being a 2012 Heisman Finalist

Victor Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Marcus Mariota’s omission from the Heisman finalist group last season wasn’t the biggest travesty in world history, but he definitely should have been there. In fact, he played just as well as Heisman winner Johnny Manziel. Unfortunately, two things – both out of his control – prevented Mariota from getting the Heisman finalist spot he deserved: the team he played …

I Could Have Danced All Night

Kim Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Good morning, Duck fans.   The NCAA investigation is over and we were severely punished for our misdeeds.   Now it’s time to take the high road, as befits the prestigious institution of higher education that we support.   Rigghhhtttt…     The reaction of Duck fans to the news was predictably understated.     But surprisingly football fans around …

Chip Kelly, Philly’s Man of the Hour

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Chip Kelly is all over the Philadelphia news this week. First, running back LeSean McCoy came down squarely on the coach’s side in the endless controversy over the competition for starting quarterback. He told reporter Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he, for one, is not going to pressure Kelly to pick a quarterback, while demonstrating some of that …

2013 Breakout Players

Sam Arney FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the season still a little over two months away, all of the talk that’s going on is the release of the Oregon sanctions and those entailed. Of which I am very satisfied with the outcome. But I thought I would take this time to distract myself by making some predictions on who I think will be some of the …

Post NCAA Decision, What Lies Ahead For Recruiting?

Joe Packer FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Today, June 27th, 2013, marks the first day in a new era of Oregon Duck football. The Chip Kelly saga, bowl-ban hype, and 2-year NCAA investigation are now officially over with.  This teams past is no longer making headlines, coach Kelly is on the other side of the country, and mystery man Willie Lyles is MIA.  While it seems as …

Mac Court to Matt Arena

Pat Pannu FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When considering Oregon men’s basketball, two things that come to mind are McArthur Court and Matthew Knight Arena.  Both buildings were architectural achievements in the eras they were built and McArthur Court was known as one of the loudest courts in the country for decades. Comparing the two buildings reveals many differences, yet one common bond is the fans. Duck …

Life After Graduation

Mathew Topolewski FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Early Monday morning, thousands of nervously excited University of Oregon seniors dawned their dark green gowns, caps, variously colored sashes, tassels, and chords. While some made their way directly to Johnson Hall at the center of campus, others (myself included) met at the local drinking hole, Taylor’s Bar & Grill, for pictures, funny banter, conversation, and yes, some morning mimosa’s …