Oregonian Sports - The Oregonian

The Oregonian's Brian Meehan previews the Pac-10 baseball season. Joel Odom hosts. Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (8.9 MB, 11:13) The Oregonian's Brian Meehan previews the Pac-10 baseball season. Joel Odom hosts. Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (8.9 MB, 11:13)

UCLA freshman Kevin Love returns to Oregon for the first time as a collegiate player this week as his Bruins play at Oregon and Oregon State. Pac-10 basketball reporter Mike Tokito talked about Love and other topics with online sports editor Joel Odom. Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download the mp3. (7.9 MB, 9:52) UCLA freshman Kevin Love returns to Oregon for the first time as a collegiate player this week as his Bruins play at Oregon and Oregon State. Pac-10 basketball reporter Mike Tokito talked about Love and other topics with online sports editor Joel Odom. Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download the mp3. (7.9 MB, 9:52)

Ducks beat writer John Hunt and columnist John Canzano talk to Molly Blue about the announcement by Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart that he will skip his senior season to make himself available for the NFL draft. Listen here: Or download the mp3. (7.4 MB, 8:08) Ducks beat writer John Hunt and columnist John Canzano talk to Molly Blue about the announcement by Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart that he will skip his senior season to make himself available for the NFL draft. Listen here: Or download the mp3. (7.4 MB, 8:08)

The Oregonian's Jim Beseda previews West Coast Conference men's basketball with online sports editor Joel Odom. Listen here: Or download the mp3. (8.7 MB, 10:53) Click below for more on Portland and for team-by-team previews The Oregonian's Jim Beseda previews West Coast Conference men's basketball with online sports editor Joel Odom. Listen here: Or download the mp3. (8.7 MB, 10:53) Click below for more on Portland and for team-by-team previews Portland sophomore guard Nik Raivio darted from left to right, picked up his dribble and buried the three-pointer. Pilots coach Eric Reveno suddenly stopped practice. Reveno didn't have a problem with Raivio. His issue was with Ethan Niedermayer, Walter Thompson and the defense -- or the lack thereof. "Stop!" Reveno hollered. "Walt, you've got to fight through that screen. Ethan, you didn't get through your screen, either. "Now, run it again!" The defense immediately improved. Making the most of such teaching moments will be key to Reveno getting his young team -- 10 freshmen and sophomores, two juniors and one senior -- headed in the right direction this season. The Pilots open West Coast Conference play Saturday against Pepperdine in Mailbu, Calif. Portland is expected to improve in Reveno's second season as coach, but probably isn't ready to challenge the two pre-season favorites, Saint Mary's and seven-time defending champion Gonzaga, for the conference title. Instead, the Pilots should finish between fourth and seventh in the eight-team conference, and win a couple more conference games than last season, when they went 9-23 overall and tied for last in the conference with 4-10 Pepperdine. "If we defend and play up to our capabilities, we can compete with anybody," Pilots senior forward Sherrard Watson said. "There are some things that we still need to get straightened out, but I'm pretty optimistic." After Saint Mary's (12-2) and Gonzaga (11-4), the conference appears wide open. Santa Clara (8-7) is the only other team entering conference play with a winning record, and Reveno uses the term "in transition" to describe the other five programs -- Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Portland, San Diego and San Francisco. "We're in the transition camp, which means that we've really just got to focus on ourselves...," Reveno said. "I still feel, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we're in position to be competing for a championship within the next couple years. That's where we're heading." The last time the Pilots finished with a .500 record or better in conference play was the 1997-98 season, when they went 7-7 and tied for fourth. The Pilots haven't won more than five conference games in a season since then. "Based on recent history, the bar is not exceedingly high, but I don't want to hold myself to that standard," Reveno said. "It's a process. It takes time. I'm still cautiously optimistic, in that I like our team a lot, and I like our guys, but we have some stuff to work on. What I've been saying all along is that it's about consistency. Each day, we've just got to focus on getting better." Team-by-team breakdown Gonzaga Bulldogs Last season: 23-11, 11-3 (first in West Coast Conference) Coach: Mark Few, ninth season Returning starters (3): G Matt Bouldin, F Josh Heytvelt, G Jeremy Pargo Briefly: Bouldin, selected for last season's WCC all-freshmen team, has emerged as one of the Bulldogs' most best offensive players. He scored a career-high 26 points in a 61-59 victory over Utah, and followed with a 21-point performance in Saturday's 75-67 win against Georgia. The performances earned him WCC player of the week honors. Loyola Marymount Lions Last season: 13-18, 5-9 (sixth) Coach: Rodney Tention, third season Returning starters (1): F Marko Deric Briefly: It looks as if the WCC coaches nailed one when they picked the Lions to finish last in their pre-season poll. Of their 11 non-conference losses, six have been by 25 points or more, including last week's 98-64 defeat at Cal State Bakersfield. That's the same Cal State Bakersfield team that lost to Oregon State by 24 last month. Pepperdine Waves Last season: 8-23, 4-10 (tied seventh) Coach: Vance Walberg, second season Returning starters (1): G Tyler Carr Briefly: The Waves have become one of the WCC's most entertaining teams under Walberg, who likes his players to get after it at both ends of the court. Through 15 games, the Waves are attempting an average of 22.4 three-pointers a game -- down slightly from last season when then set a WCC record with 843 attempts in 31 games. Portland Pilots Last season: 9-23, 4-10 (tied seventh) Coach: Eric Reveno, second season Returning starters (2): G Taishi Ito, F Sherrard Watson Briefly: Most of the key players are freshmen and sophomores, which means most of them will be together for another two seasons after this one -- and it might take until the 2009-10 season before the Pilots start winning consistently. Saint Mary's Gaels Last season: 17-15, 8-6 (tied fifth) Coach: Randy Bennett, seventh season Returning starters (4): G Todd Golden, G Wayne Hunter, F Ian O'Leary, F Diamon Simpson Briefly: The Gaels are off to one of the best starts in school history behind Simpson, the 6-foot-7 junior from Hayward, Calif., who was an all-WCC first team pick last season. Simpson, one of the conference's most versatile players, is averaging 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots in 28.7 minutes through 13 games. San Diego Toreros Last season: 18-14, 6-8 (fifth) Coach: Bill Grier, first season Returning starters (5): F Daniel Fleming, G Brandon Johnson, F Chris Lewis, G-F Ray Murdock, F Gyno Pomare Briefly: Grier, the former Gonzaga assistant, inherited a roster without any seniors, but with five players who started at least 10 games each last season. His biggest dilemma so far has been figuring out which Toreros team will show up -- the one that won 81-72 at Kentucky on Dec. 29, or the one that lost 76-60 at Marshall two nights later. San Francisco Dons Last season: 13-18, 8-6 (tied third) Coach: Eddie Sutton, first season Returning starters (3): G-F Danny Cavic, G Manny Quezada, F Jay Watkins Briefly: Sutton, the 71-year-old coach who is sitting on 798 career victories, is 0-3 since coming out of retirement Dec. 28 to become the Dons' interim coach, replacing Jessie Evans. A victory in Saturday's WCC opener at San Diego would put Sutton in position to go for career win No. 800 at Portland on Jan. 19 and become only the eighth coach in NCAA history and the fifth coach at the Division I level to reach that milestone. Santa Clara Broncos Last season: 21-10, 10-4 (second) Coach: Kerry Keating, first season Returning starters (2): G Brody Angley, C John Bryant Briefly: The Broncos have the WCC's most experienced point guard in Angley, the 5-11 senior from Redding, Calif., who will make his 96th career start in Saturday's conference opener at Saint Mary's. Angley is among the school's all-time leaders in assists (417) and steals (148). The team's 21 wins last season tied for the fifth most in school history and the most since the 1994-95 season. WCC trivia The WCC's eight teams feature more players from Australia (6) than from the state of Oregon (1): Portland senior forward Sherrard Watson, the former walk-on from Sunset High School whose father, Sidney, played for the Pilots from 1979-82. Jim Beseda: 503-221-8380; jimbeseda@news.oregonian.com

In this week's show, we talk about: • The Rose Garden naming rights, with John Canzano • The Mitchell Report, with Brian Meehan Listen to Part 1 here: Listen to Part 2 here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download Part 1 here. (4.2 MB, 5:15) Or download Part 1 here. (8.0 MB, 10:06) In this week's show, we talk about: • The Rose Garden naming rights, with John Canzano • The Mitchell Report, with Brian Meehan Listen to Part 1 here: Listen to Part 2 here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download Part 1 here. (4.2 MB, 5:15) Or download Part 1 here. (8.0 MB, 10:06)

In this week's show, we talk about: • The high school football championships • Week 14 in the NFL Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (9.4 MB, 10:17) In this week's show, we talk about: • The high school football championships • Week 14 in the NFL Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (9.4 MB, 10:17)

In this week's show, we talk about: • The Civil War game • High school football playoffs • The Davis Cup finals • University of Portland women's soccer team's NCAA quarterfinal match at UCLA • The Seahawks' game at Philadelphia Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (5.0 MB, 5:28) In this week's show, we talk about: • The Civil War game • High school football playoffs • The Davis Cup finals • University of Portland women's soccer team's NCAA quarterfinal match at UCLA • The Seahawks' game at Philadelphia Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (5.0 MB, 5:28)

In this week's show, we talk about: • The second-round playoff matchup between Canby and Lake Oswego • The UP women's soccer team's playoff game against Denver • Oregon State's trip to Washington State, with thoughts from Cougars quarterback Alex Brink • Portland State's final game of the season, on the road at Northern Colorado • The Seahawks' game against... In this week's show, we talk about: • The second-round playoff matchup between Canby and Lake Oswego • The UP women's soccer team's playoff game against Denver • Oregon State's trip to Washington State, with thoughts from Cougars quarterback Alex Brink • Portland State's final game of the season, on the road at Northern Colorado • The Seahawks' game against the Bears Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (4.4 MB, 4:49)

In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon's last three games and Dennis Dixon's Heisman hopes • Oregon State's bid to become bowl-eligible • Portland State vs. Montana State • High school football playoffs • Week 10 in the NFL • Martell Webster and the Blazers Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (7.3 MB,... In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon's last three games and Dennis Dixon's Heisman hopes • Oregon State's bid to become bowl-eligible • Portland State vs. Montana State • High school football playoffs • Week 10 in the NFL • Martell Webster and the Blazers Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (7.3 MB, 9:09)

In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon vs. Arizona State • Oregon State at USC • Portland State at Montana • Glencoe at Sherwood • Aaron Fentress on Week 9 in the NFL Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (4.5 MB, 5:42) In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon vs. Arizona State • Oregon State at USC • Portland State at Montana • Glencoe at Sherwood • Aaron Fentress on Week 9 in the NFL Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (4.5 MB, 5:42)

In this week's show, we talk about: • No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 9 USC (at 0:22) • Stanford at Oregon State (at 3:13) • A slate of big high school games (at 4:35) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (5.7 MB, 7:08) In this week's show, we talk about: • No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 9 USC (at 0:22) • Stanford at Oregon State (at 3:13) • A slate of big high school games (at 4:35) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (5.7 MB, 7:08)

In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon State's upset of No. 2 California (at 0:16) • The Ducks' game at Washington on Saturday (at 2:44) • The Seahawks and other NFL topics (at 4:10) • A clash of Northwest Oregon Conference powers, Glencoe and Wilsonville (at 8:42) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here.... In this week's show, we talk about: • Oregon State's upset of No. 2 California (at 0:16) • The Ducks' game at Washington on Saturday (at 2:44) • The Seahawks and other NFL topics (at 4:10) • A clash of Northwest Oregon Conference powers, Glencoe and Wilsonville (at 8:42) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (8.4 MB, 10:33)

In this week's show, we talk about: • College football (at 0:31) and the Blazers (at 5:13) with columnist John Canzano • The American League championship series, with Red Sox outfielder and former Oregon State player Jacoby Ellsbury (at 7:45) • Other things to watch this weekend (at 9:33) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here.... In this week's show, we talk about: • College football (at 0:31) and the Blazers (at 5:13) with columnist John Canzano • The American League championship series, with Red Sox outfielder and former Oregon State player Jacoby Ellsbury (at 7:45) • Other things to watch this weekend (at 9:33) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (8.5 MB, 10:37)

In this week's show, we talk about: • Beaverton's trip to Jesuit tonight (at 0:38) • Oregon State's turnover troubles (at 1:26) • Portland State's home matchup with Northern Arizona (at 2:41) • Oregon's week off after a crushing loss (at 3:15) • The Seahawks' Week 5 game at Pittsburgh (at 3:59) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or... In this week's show, we talk about: • Beaverton's trip to Jesuit tonight (at 0:38) • Oregon State's turnover troubles (at 1:26) • Portland State's home matchup with Northern Arizona (at 2:41) • Oregon's week off after a crushing loss (at 3:15) • The Seahawks' Week 5 game at Pittsburgh (at 3:59) Listen here: Subscribe via an iTunes account Or download MP3 here. (4.1 MB, 5:04)

In this week's show, we talk about: • One big college football game. Hey, is anyone really talking about anything else? Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (5.7 MB, 7:13) In this week's show, we talk about: • One big college football game. Hey, is anyone really talking about anything else? Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (5.7 MB, 7:13)

In this week's show, we talk about: • Week 3 in the NFL (0:23) • A high school matchup between two Top 10 teams (2:10) • Portland State's road trip to San Diego State (2:54) • Oregon's Pac-10 opener at Stanford (3:57) • Oregon State's winless streak at Sun Devil Stadium (4:49) Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (4.7 MB,... In this week's show, we talk about: • Week 3 in the NFL (0:23) • A high school matchup between two Top 10 teams (2:10) • Portland State's road trip to San Diego State (2:54) • Oregon's Pac-10 opener at Stanford (3:57) • Oregon State's winless streak at Sun Devil Stadium (4:49) Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (4.7 MB, 5:50)

In today's show, we talk about: • Oregon's big win over Michigan (0:25) • Oregon State's shaky quarterback play (1:36) • Two big matchups involving Pac-10 teams (2:15) • Top-ranked Jesuit's matchup tonight with No. 3 Lake Oswego (3:25) • The three Oregon-bred quarterbacks set to start in the NFL on Sunday (4:34) Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (5.0... In today's show, we talk about: • Oregon's big win over Michigan (0:25) • Oregon State's shaky quarterback play (1:36) • Two big matchups involving Pac-10 teams (2:15) • Top-ranked Jesuit's matchup tonight with No. 3 Lake Oswego (3:25) • The three Oregon-bred quarterbacks set to start in the NFL on Sunday (4:34) Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (5.0 MB, 6:18)

Welcome to Sports Weekend, the sports podcast from The Oregonian. In today's show, we talk about: • The aftermath of Oregon State's 34-3 loss at Cincinnati • Oregon's matchup with Michigan, a team trying to bounce back from a stunning home loss to Appalachian State (1:55) • Portland State's home opener against UC Davis (3:05) • The top prep matchup... Welcome to Sports Weekend, the sports podcast from The Oregonian. In today's show, we talk about: • The aftermath of Oregon State's 34-3 loss at Cincinnati • Oregon's matchup with Michigan, a team trying to bounce back from a stunning home loss to Appalachian State (1:55) • Portland State's home opener against UC Davis (3:05) • The top prep matchup of the week (4:19) • The Seahawks' opener against Tampa Bay (5:15) Listen here: Or download MP3 here. (5.6 MB, 7:03)