CORVALLIS — Dear Ian Crosswhite:
It appears you have yet to play your way out of a conference-season-long slump.
For that reason, I have something to remind you: The Oregon basketball team needs you.
While I’m sure you’re already aware of this, it was never more evident than during Saturday’s 76-72 loss to Oregon State. Your Ducks haven’t played well in a month but showed signs of life against the Beavers. Malik Hairston continued his strong play of late with a 20-point, six-rebound performance. Jordan Kent got his first career start, scoring nine points and grabbing eight rebounds while Aaron Brooks finally broke out of a recent slump, scoring 21 points.
But as Oregon’s guards excelled Saturday, you and the rest of the Duck big men gave the team next to nothing inside. While your block on Sasa Cuic and reverse layin late in the game were impressive, they weren’t enough to overcome the botched rebounds and lack of offensive output.
Ernie Kent was practically begging for you and the rest of the bigs to produce at least something on either end of the floor during postgame interviews.
I know you’re tired of hearing everyone bad mouth your game, but you need to understand that expectations have been set very high. Oregon fans and the media have seen what you’re capable of on the court. You garnered Pacific-10 Conference All-Freshman honorable mention status in 2003 and were an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 player during your sophomore campaign. You’re a 7-footer who can shoot the three-ball and has the quickness to beat opponents off the dribble. And to top it all off, you entered this season in the best shape of your life.
This was supposed to be the year in which you established yourself as one of the best post players in the conference. Not the year in which you turned into a bench player who would be lucky to contribute in spurts.
It seems as though all the pressure of being a leader has bogged you down. Well, here are a few words of advice from Duck fans who have voiced their collective opinions to me:
HAVE SOME FUN!
I know you’ve had to cut back to get in shape, but if guzzling beers and eating fast food is what you enjoy, start doing it again because avoiding the duo hasn’t exactly improved your game.
In case you haven’t noticed, you have a huge fan base. People adore your fun-loving off-court demeanor. Start letting that attitude back onto the court, and start having fun again, playing the game you love.
RELAX!
If leadership and shouting at your teammates isn’t your cup of tea, let your play on the court do the talking for you.
This team is close to busting out. Your head coach knows it. Your teammates know it.
They need you to step up and play like everyone knows you’re capable of.

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