Oregon Basketball: Ducks ‘Excited’ to Face Louisville in Sweet 16 (Quotes)

I’m not sure if the team is nervous, but I’m starting to get nervous. One final report before the game features the Oregon Press Conference from Thursday. Quotes are from Head Coach Dana Altman and Seniors E.J. Singler and Arsalan Kazemi.

Mar 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman during practice the day before the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

We’ll start with Oregon Head Coach.

Dana Altman was asked about the program and this being his  ‘first’ NCAA Tournament with Oregon:

"This team is excited – E.J. is the only one who has been there four years, it’s really special for him. We’re still trying to get the equation right, we’ve had some hits and some misses. We’d like to continue to build our base that we can have a corps group of guys to build around."

On being there with three other coaches..(Duke/Krzyzewski, Michigan State/Izzo, Louisville/Pitino)

"Those three guys have unbelievable careers, they’re going to be Hall of Fame Coaches. All three of those programs because of there coaches have great teams and great traditions and we’re trying to build our tradition."

On Oregon Taking An Underdog Mentality?

"I don’t think too much was made about it in the locker room, more made in the press. Right now we now we’re playing a very talented team and one that if we don’t stay focused for for 40 minutes they have a tendency to blow teams away."

When (Altman) Came to Oregon Was it Tough to Envision this type of success?

"It really wasn’t. if you look at all the programs we have on campus, (Oregon) is committed to having quality programs. When we came three years ago sitting with 6 guys on the roster we didn’t know how quickly it would happen. Expectations when you go to the U of O is to try to compete, I’m fortunate to get the group of guys together that we did."

Mar 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz (left) talks with Oregon Ducks forward E.J. Singler during practice the day before the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The players had the opportunity to talk about the program and the upcoming game with Louisville. E.J. Singler, who has been with the program the longest talked about Dana Altman, the coach:

"He’s done an unbelievable job, first two years had to bring in some transfers. This year has been his first recruiting class. Overall he’s been a good coach and taken Oregon Basketball to the next level."

A lot has been said about the Louisville Press(not the media, the Defense):

"Louisville is unbelievable Defensive team, press really gets after you…you really can’t simulate their pressure in practice.  All you really can do is get ready for it, talk about it, and know what you have to do against it…. We’ve really been focusing on being strong with the ball and limiting our turnovers."

In discussing of Oregon belonged with other Top Teams in the Regional:

"The other teams here are historic…all have been here a lot…Oregon is not up to that par of the history, but excited were a part of it…this is where we want to be, this is where were supposed to be. Can’t wait to play against Louisville on Friday."

AutzenZoo  did a Q and A with the Louisville Blog of Fansided to help give some insight on the Cardinals.

Oregon and Louisville Friday at 4:15 PT in the Sweet 16 on CBS.

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