Ellie Manou
Freshman forward
Oregon Daily Emerald: What has the adjustment to playing college basketball been like?
Ellie Manou: It’s been tough. The American game is so different to the Australian and international game but Coach is really helping me so hopefully I’ll get more (accustomed) as the season goes on.
ODE: Is it tough dealing with some of the injuries?
EM: It’s so frustrating, so frustrating, but we’re doing the most we can at the moment so that’s all you can do.
ODE: How close are you do you feel to being 100 percent?
EM: I don’t know. It’s an ongoing, annoying thing.
ODE: What do most miss about not being in Australia?
EM: My family and friends and Aussie humor.
ODE: Does it help having such a big international presence on this team?
EM: It’s great having all the different cultures. It’s awesome.
ODE: How much did it help being able to know (former Ducks and fellow Australians) Gabrielle (Richards) and Eleanor (Haring)?
EM: It was massive. I spoke to Gabe and El heaps (Australian lingo for a lot) and they helped me a lot with my decision to come here.
ODE: What are some of your off-court hobbies in your free time?
EM: We go to a lot of movies and a couple of us go to church so that’s always good too.
ODE: What kind of adjustment has it been to living here?
EM: It has been massive and I’m still getting used to it.
ODE: Has there been any kind of food you’ve enjoyed that you hadn’t had before?
EM: Probably not. I don’t understand how you guys like chocolate and peanut butter. I still don’t understand that. But the only candy I like is saltwater taffy.
ODE: What kind of television shows do you enjoy? Is it different out here?
EM: Yeah. You guys have so many reality TV (shows) like ‘I Love New York.’ What is that? I like ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ That’s probably my favorite.
ODE: What kind of major are you going into or what’s interested you so far?
EM: Good question. I want to be in the police force when I get back to Australia or wherever I am so maybe something in psychology. I still haven’t figured it out.