Every week during women’s basketball season, our sports staff will discuss different topics surrounding an upcoming game(s). Today, sports reporters Jonathan Hawthorne, Chris Keizur and Joseph Hoyt discuss the Pac-12 tournament, the last for Paul Westhead as Oregon’s head coach. The Ducks play Washington State in the first round of the tournament Thursday at 6 p.m.
1) How would you describe head coach Paul Westhead’s tenure at Oregon?
Hawthorne — Westhead’s time at Oregon fit the Oregon style of play to a tee. His fast-paced game excited people around the basketball world because he’s accomplished what no other coach ever has — winning a WNBA and NBA title. His Oregon experience has been nothing short of tumultuous filled with lots of learning and new ideas. His system has broken opposing teams down, proving that the running game can be effective. He inspired change at Oregon and ushered in a new era of Oregon basketball that will undoubtedly persevere well past his departure. His hire showed Oregon fans that the athletic department is not afraid to make bold moves and that should be exciting for fans as a new coach will come to Eugene within the next couple of months.
Keizur — I would have to describe Westhead’s time with the Ducks as a failed experiment. He was brought in because of his experience with the NBA and the hope that he could bring the excitement back to Oregon women’s basketball. He ran a unique and frenetic system that was fun to watch, but he missed on the most important part of being a coach: winning games. You need more than just talented players to win games, and at the price the school was paying for him, the end result should have been better than a perpetual .500 team. Westhead cost the program more than 3 million dollars, making him an ambitious, but perhaps not a good, hire.
Hoyt — When Westhead took over for Bev Smith in 2009, former athletic director Pat Kilkenny said he wanted a coach to emulate the exciting and innovative state of Oregon athletics and bring that to the women’s basketball team. Westhead succeeded in that department, making Oregon one of the highest scoring teams throughout his tenure. However, the Ducks consistently fell into the bottom of the barrel in regards to team defense. This makes every game a gamble, one that Westhead and the Ducks couldn’t consistently win. While his 65-90 record is dismal, Westhead did set the stage for a bright immediate future in Eugene. Jillian Alleyne and Chrishae Rowe are two pieces the next head coach can build around moving forward.
2) How do you think the team will react to Westhead’s departure?
Hawthorne — There’s no doubt that the announcement was hard on the players. This team adores Westhead. For example, some of the players woke up in the middle of the night when ESPN’s College Gameday was in town to display a life-sized print of Westhead in the crowd. Their poster even made national television. Westhead is a coaching legend. He’s one of the most respected coaches to ever coach basketball. The team will be fired up to play this weekend, not just for themselves, but to give their beloved coach one last curtain call in Oregon green and yellow.
Keizur — I’d like to think this team doesn’t need any motivation to play well in the Pac-12 tournament. Some will say that Westhead’s departure will spur the team on and make them want to send their coach off with a postseason appearance, but that implies that they weren’t already inspired to do so. Before the season, the team’s goal was to win 16 games, and right now they are only one away.
Hoyt — Oregon looked like a team hitting its stride in its final weekend. Undoubtedly, the loss of Westhead will light a fire under this team. The only problem is that this team does have a ceiling. Saying that Westhead’s departure will give Oregon the push it needs to take the conference tournament is extremely optimistic. However, they have an energy carrying from its Arizona sweep that will keep them competitive in every game throughout the tournament.
3) Is Ariel Thomas the key to a successful conference tournament?
Hawthorne — I think one of the problems this year has come when the team doesn’t play as a unit — that is, one or two players have, at times, taken over the game offensively. This cannot happen this weekend if the Ducks are looking to make a serious run. That being said, Thomas is a big part of the team’s overall plan. Her presence on the court makes Oregon a better team because she does everything with 100 percent effort and is never selfish with the ball.
Keizur — I think the key will be defense, so whoever can step up and contribute on that end of the court will be crucial toward Oregon’s success. That being said, I think Thomas could be that person. She has shown tenacity and defensive awareness these past couple of weeks that has been missing. I think as a senior her effort could be contagious, spurring the other players toward making some stops.
Hoyt — Ariel Thomas and the rest of the seniors are in a win-or-go-home situation. As the senior and vocal leader of the team, she’s brought an energy on the defensive side of the ball. She’s also developed a consistent jump shot since returning from her ankle injury. Plus, she certainly doesn’t want to end her senior season in mediocrity. With this in mind, she’s the most important player to this team as they look to make a run in the conference tournament.
4) How will the Ducks fair against Washington State in the first round in Seattle? If they win, do they have any chance against No. 20 Cal?
Hawthorne — I think that the Ducks have a great opportunity to knock off the Cougars. Both Oregon and Washington State run similar styles of offense, but the Ducks hold the advantage because the running game best suits their style of play. Oregon’s 108-88 loss on Feb. 23 was a fluke in many ways, and Oregon didn’t seem focused on the final road trip of the season. If California’s Brittany Boyd plays for the Bears, then Oregon will have its hands full, but keep an eye on the Ducks. They’re playing some of their best basketball of the season. They’re peaking at the right time and have serious upset potential.
Keizur — First off, every team has a chance to win on any given night. It’s why we play the games. That being said, I have trouble seeing Oregon making it any further than the first round this weekend. The Ducks have a great chance to beat Washington State, with whom they split the regular season games this year, but I just don’t see them beating Cal.
Hoyt — Personally, I don’t think Oregon will struggle against Washington State. The Ducks split the season series with the Cougars, but I think if Thomas could take out either Tia Presley or Lia Galdeira, then the rest of the team can hold its own against the rest of WSU’s attack. If the Ducks wants any chance of upsetting the Golden Bears, they need to play one of the best games of their season. They have a shot with the team being fully healthy, but it wouldn’t be an easy one.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
Follow Chris Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @jhoyt42
