Oregonian Sports

The new hosts of the Ducks Confidential podcast, Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and former UO/NFL tight end George Wrighster (⁠Unafraid Show⁠), dive deep into fall camp story lines by examining what the defense will look like after losing eight starters from last season. The duo will discuss the offense in the next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been no bigger story in Portland sports this year than Damian Lillard's stunning return to the Trail Blazers less than two years after being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Though out for the next year with a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard's homecoming raises all sorts of questions about the trajectory of the franchise with an otherwise young roster. Among them, will Lillard be the same player he was before the injury? And given the style of play the team has adopted under coach Chauncey Billups, is there even room for him to be the same player? These questions and many more are discussed on this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast by hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene. Also discussed on this week's episode: • A programming update and a very fond farewell • What Lillard's presence could and should mean for Scoot Henderson • Can Lillard adjust his style of play and will a year of watching help? • A recap of the Portland Fire's brand launch and rollout event at Moda Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen's first two Summer League games and if Deandre Ayton can revive his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, is it a concern that Portland hasn't done much this offseason? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the NBA's free agency period even began, the Portland Trail Blazers had already addressed two of their biggest offseason questions by jettisoning Deandre Ayton and trading away Anfernee Simons. By moving off the high-dollar contracts of two veteran players who no longer fit the team's timeline or identity, general manager Joe Cronin has cleared the runway for the team's young core to either sink or swim.On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene react to the Blazers flurry of swift and decisive moves. Also discussed on the episode:• Can the Blazers complete the sweep and find a taker for Jerami Grant, as well?• Is Jrue Holiday really unhappy about being traded to Portland?• Why drafting Yang Hansen was either brilliant or brainless• How Portland's WNBA franchise turned a negative into a positive with its front-office shakeup• Do the hosts like Texas State as the final addition to the reimagined Pac-12? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers trading back from the No. 11 pick in Wednesday night's draft to select center Yang Hansen from China in a move that stunned the basketball world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, dive into the Blazers trading Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, and discuss what they believe the Blazers should do with the No. 11 pick during Wednesday night's NBA draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The revelation that Portland's WNBA team seems to be moving toward resurrecting the ‘Fire' — the name of the team's predecessor from 2000-02 — has sparked much conversation and debate, that is as true on the Oregonian Sports Podcast as it is on social media. Bill Oram argues that the Fire isn't a good enough name to offset the various ways it is problematic, while Brenna Greene of KOIN argues that it's a nostalgia play that resonates with fans. Who is right? Listen to the episode to decide for yourself. Also discussed on this week's podcast: • If not the Fire, what brand identity should the WNBA franchise have landed on? • Brenna is home from Omaha, where the Beavers disappointed in the Men's College World Series • Why OSU's season bodes well for the school's future • Does Indiana's push for an NBA title give hope to the Blazers? • Bill dishes on the $10 billion sale of the Lakers • ... and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a school that hasn't caught much in the way of a break when it comes to sports lately, you have to say fortune is shining on Oregon State going into the College World Series. Not only are the eighth-seeded Beavers riding tons of momentum after smashing Florida State in the third game of their Super Regional on Sunday, they enter the eight-team field in Omaha with perhaps the most favorable path to the championship series. They are the highest-seeded team in the top half of the bracket, while No. 3 overall seed Arkansas and 6-seeded LSU will have to duke it out in the bottom half of the bracket. On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene break down the Beavers chances in Omaha, while also trying to prepare for the regional delicacies of the Great Plains. Also discussed on this week's episode: • Takeaways from last weekend in Corvallis • How Bill found himself watching the Beavers clinch their return to Omaha from the roof of a parking garage. • Should the Beavers be wary of their opening-round opponent, Louisville? • A detour into the greatest high school mascots, just because • Will the Blazers use their lottery pick on a player who started his career at a local Division III school? • ... and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like Mike Tyson said, everybody has a plan until they get beaten in Game 1 of the NCAA baseball regional at home. Oregon and Oregon State responded differently to getting punched in the mouth last week. The Ducks went meekly into the offseason while the Beavers rallied in dominant fashion, winning four straight elimination games by a margin of 50-6 to set up this weekend's Super Regional against Florida State. Was the Beavers' response more impressive than the Ducks' was disappointing? That's the question Bill Oram and Brenna Greene consider on this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast. Also on this week's show: • The most joyful moment the state track meet provided • Was the home plate ruling that went against the Ducks a just call? • Other rule changes we need to see in college baseball • How to plan an 85th birthday party • Who has the more impressive collection of baseball alumni, OSU or Florida State? • ... and much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss mock NBA drafts, Chris Paul being linked to the Trail Blazers and Craig's New York Knicks taking a tumble in the NBA playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss Donovan Clingan being named to the All-Rookie team, the Blazers seeking a buyer and what that means for Moda Center and they grade the guard position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The announcement that Paul Allen's estate is open for business and that the Trail Blazers are finally for sale sets off a domino effect in Portland, both for the team and for the city. What comes next? Who buys the team now that Phil Knight has taken himself out of the running? Is there even the faintest possibility that a new owner could try to relocate the team? Those are the big questions debated by hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene on this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast. Among the topics discussed: • Reaction to the announcement that Jody Allen is preparing to sell • Why Phil Knight sitting on the sidelines shouldn't be a surprise • The impact of the draft lottery on the Blazers' ability to build a winning team • The lottery isn't rigged, but it does feel stacked against the teams that need luck the most Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the ⁠Blazer Focused podcast⁠‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Trail Blazers finally going up for sale and what's next for the team on the court after landing at No. 11 in Monday night's NBA draft lottery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you're saying there's a chance? Of course there is! The Blazers have a 3.7% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in next week's NBA draft lottery. Their chances of jumping into the top four are even better: 16.9% On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene use the invaluable tankathon.com to see just how many simulations it takes to get the Blazers the No. 1 pick. Of course, on Monday, there will only be one shot at it. Also discussed on this week's episode: • Why should the “basketball gods” care about the Trail Blazers? • On an alternate timeline, David Adelman could have become the Blazers' next coach • Has Jesuit High School made a greater per capita impact on the NBA than any other high school? • Why Brenna doesn't think Portland will ever make a trade for a big-time NBA star • Bill reveals his best Blazers-related party trick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few draft experts had Oregon's Dillon Gabriel pegged to be the fifth quarterback drafted last week. Going in the third round seemed high. But the Cleveland Browns clearly had a vision for college football's most experienced signal caller when they selected him 94th overall. It felt like the perfect situation, where he could develop with veteran, but replaceable, quarterbacks ahead of him. Then, 50 picks later, another quarterback was drafted: Shedeur Sanders to ... the Cleveland Browns. Also discussed on this week's show: • Notes from Oregon's spring game, including the Ducks' breakout stars. • Why Damian Lillard's Achilles' tear hurts Blazers fans the most • Blazers select a draft lottery representative • What we saw in a tour of the Hillsboro Hops' new stadium, which opens in 2026 • ... and much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Trail Blazers making staff changes, Damian Lillard's injury, rookie of the year voting and they break down the center position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you weren't able to catch Oregon State's football showcase on Saturday, don't worry. The Beavers wanted it that way. Kind of. The Ducks and Beavers spring games present an annual study in contrast, which is discussed in this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast with hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene. Also on this week's episode: • Why Oregon State's poaching paranoia is justified • How much of Dante Moore should Ducks fans expect to see on Saturday • The Thorns (and WNBA team) owners sure know how to throw a pep rally • The underdog Winterhawks are back in the conference finals • And much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers falling a tad in the NBA draft lottery, analyze the forward position and address the return of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup for the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazers' extension of Chauncey Billups may not be popular with all fans, but was completely justified given the progress the team made on the court this season. Will history prove that it was the right move for the rebuilding franchise? On the new episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene debate the merits of Billups' extension while looking at its ripple effects for the Trail Blazers. Also on this week's show: • What Joe Cronin needs to do this offseason for the Blazers to take a step forward • Jazzy Davidson dazzles at Hoop Summit • The WNBA is starting to feel more real in Portland • Bill goes full conspiracy theory on both Sabrina Ionescu and Damian Lillard • What we're looking for at Oregon State's spring game this weekend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers signing coach Chauncey Billups to a contract extension and take a quick look at the team's chances of reaching the playoffs next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss general manager Joe Cronin receiving a contract extension and agree that coach Chauncey Billups should be next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For just the second time in history, the NCAA Tournament has given us four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four, which starts Friday in San Antonio. Is that good for college sports? The Oregonian Sports Podcasts are split on the matter. Cohost Brenna Greene is on the scene for the men's Final Four after spending the previous week at the women's regional in Spokane. She breaks down the scene there and previews the rest of the men's field along with Oregonian sports columnist Bill Oram. Also on this week's episode: • Why the two-regional system is a disservice to women's hoops • Catching up with the former Oregon State women's players who made it back to the Sweet 16 • Picking winners in both tournaments • On the Blazers front, can we trust awards voters to get it right on Toumani Camara? Listen to the full episode here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers' unexpected 127-113 win at Atlanta, Deni Avdija's second triple-double, Toumani Camara's chances of landing on the All-Defensive team and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true joy of the NCAA Tournament is that it makes stars of unlikely players. And that can occur both on or off the court. One example was a clip of The Oregonian Sports Podcast hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene during crunch time of Oregon's second-round loss to Arizona in Seattle. Sitting behind the national TV broadcasters, the hosts engaged in animated conversation. What were they talking about? Well, how good are your lip-reading skills? On this week's episode, Bill and Brenna relive the moment that went viral before moving onto more serious topics, including: • The Ducks loss was thrilling but cost them a shot at top-ranked Duke • The transfer portal comes for Oregon State's best players • Missing the NCAA Tournament may have been a blessing in disguise for the UP women • An update on the Portland Diamond Project's $800 million ask of state legislators — including one key endorsement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers making noise in the tight race for the final play-in berth in the Western Conference and more during the latest episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oregon men are back in the NCAA Tournament and, like last year, back in a 5-12 matchup. Unlike last year, the Ducks are the 5-seed team. Can they overpower Liberty and play for a chance to get to the second weekend in Newark? The Ducks are encountering one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. And while March Madness is defined by buzzer-beaters and threes, will the Flames actually be able to outshoot Oregon if the Ducks exert their advantage in the paint? On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene break down that matchup, while also looking ahead to both the Oregon and Oregon State women making their returns to the tournament field. Also discussed on the show: • Scenes from Selection Sunday in Eugene and Corvallis • Which local team entering the NCAA Tournament has actually disappointed? • A high school legend finally wins a trophy • Did we witness a passing of the torch in 6A girls hoops? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' fading play-in hopes, the play of Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every once in a while something so remarkable happens that it jumps past all the other very important events of the day and becomes banner news. So while the Oregon men are moving through the Big Ten tournament and two in-state women's teams just battled for an NCAA Tournament berth, Bill Oram and Brenna Greene absolutely had to start this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast with a thorough breakdown of Natalie Zito, nee Gilbert's, surprise appearance to sing the national anthem in front of ex-Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks on Wednesday night. While the Blazers have been on an upswing in the second half of the season, the franchise's idea to reunite Gilbert and Cheeks may have been the season's best moment. Also discussed on this week's episode: • Combined with Bill Walton's tribute night 72 hours earlier, this has been a big week for Blazers game ops • Bill describes other memorable national anthem performances, including a notable freeze-job by an Oscar nominee • Oregon State's win over Portland in the WCC women's title game was a celebration of Oregon hoops • The Oregon men further burnished their March Madness resume with a win over Indiana on the Hoosiers' home turf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Diamond Project has been kicking around ideas for so long that it may take time for some to catch up to the fact that the proposal has transformed and gained real momentum among elected officials and business leaders. Is baseball on the South Waterfront a real possibility? That's unclear. But what's certain is that this is an aptitude test for Portland when it comes to taking a big swing. On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene discuss the new renderings of a potential ballpark and the Diamond Project's plans to seek up to $900 million in financing from the legislature, plus other topics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the Blazers winning five out of six, what Kyrie Irving being lost for the season means for Dallas and the Blazers, the rise of Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija, plus what reaching the play-in would mean for the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oregon men's basketball team has rediscovered the spark that keyed its early season run. After an impressive come-from-behind win at No. 11 Wisconsin, the Ducks are looking more and more like a team that could make noise in the NCAA Tournament. At the center of that is their Mr. Clutch, Jackson Shelstad. On this episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene discuss the fast-approaching college basketball postseason and the outlook for teams around the state, including the Ducks and Beavers Also on this week's episode:  • Shaedon Sharpe's dunk broke the Internet • Bill gets a new puppy and, more vitally, gets to name it • A history lesson about the time two NBA legends met in Corvallis • Portland State football returns downtown — for a day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team's recent winning streak, chances of reaching the play-in, Shaedon Sharpe's career night and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Blazers announced improvements to the Moda Center video boards that will feature 7,520 square feet of LED screens and increase the existing center scoreboard by more than 50 percent. Improvements to the 30-year-old arena have been a long time coming, and with the Blazers seeking fan input on the forthcoming project Bill Oram and Brenna Greene discuss on this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast what we enhancements the organization should focus on — from the obvious to the not so obvious. Also discussed on this week's episode:  • A review of the Netflix documentary “Court of Gold” • Find out what Olympic star knew Brenna as “Tonsilitis Girl” in college • With Buck Williams receiving Hall of Fame consideration, what jerseys should the Blazers consider retiring? • On the whole, the Timbers are likely better off without Evander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss where the Blazers stand after losing three consecutive games entering the All-Star break and once again dealing with injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazers were one of only four teams to sit out the trade deadline, a decision that sets the stage for what should be a competitive final two months of the regular season. On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene break down the state of the Blazers, their chances to actually reach the play-in and how they find a star (or stars) if reaching the top of the lottery is now a longshot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team winning nine of 10 and what that means for the rebuild, Thursday's trade deadline, coach Chauncey Billups and the future of the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazers' recent run of success has created something of a conundrum. They have won five of their last six games, are playing hard and delivering an entertaining style of basketball. They are also at risk of locking the franchise in the NBA's version of no-man's land. That's the main topic of discussion on this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast. Hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene weigh the circumstances the Blazers find themselves in, seemingly taking meaningful steps forward on the court as their plans of a high lottery pick take a simultaneous hit. Can fans enjoy the wins if they also feel like losses? Also discussed on this week's all-Blazers episode: • What does the Blazers front office do with Billups now that he's shown he can get the most out of an imperfect roster? • Blazers game ops rise to the occasion of Damian Lillard's return. Please send earplugs. • By the time Lillard is a free agent, should the Blazers even want him back? • Plus, Brenna exacts her revenge for last week's mea culpa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trail Blazers have hit a winning stride. Is that a good thing for a team that is attempting to rebuild through the draft? It seems likely the roster is headed for another second-half shutdown after the trade deadline. Plus, Brenna eats crow for her confidence that her beloved Gonzaga would have no problem at Oregon State.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, jumps all over the latest developments surrounding the team. Scoot Henderson continues to shine. Anfernee Simons bounced back. Shaedon Sharpe lost his starting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon fans harbored hopes of watching the Ducks play in the national championship game on Monday in Atlanta. That dream was crushed about three plays into the Rose Bowl as Ohio State overwhelmed Oregon, bringing an abrupt end to one of the best seasons in program history. With the Buckeyes now in the championship game against Notre Dame after edging Texas in the Cotton Bowl, many Ducks fans may be asking themselves this question: Who do we root for now? On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene debate that question and come to different conclusions. Also on this week's show: • Looking ahead to Oregon State's first basketball game against Gonzaga in Brenna's lifetime • Was it a good idea for Beavers head coach Trent Bray to appoint himself defensive coordinator, too? • Should Scoot Henderson's career-best performance against Brooklyn be seen as a sign of progress for the young Blazers star or thrown out as an anomaly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, offers well-earned praise to Scoot Henderson for his performance against the Nets. But was it just a fluke? Also, why does Deandre Ayton coast at times, and should the Blazers regret not trading Damian Lillard to Miami for a package including Tyler Herro? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've had a week to process Oregon's 41-21 loss to Ohio State in Pasadena. While the Ducks were badly outplayed by their opponent, the system that put them in that matchup remains a topic of much debate and scrutiny. On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene of KOIN unpack the New Year's debacle, including whether the Ducks should consider any staffing changes. Also discussed on this week's episode: • Will top teams start to manipulate their seasons, including resting players in conference title games? • If the Ducks are gradually leveling up, does that make next year their year to win in the playoff? • With the NBA's trade deadline a month away, what are reasonable expectations for the Blazers front office? • The Blazers have the NBA's sixth-worst record, but with lottery odds front of mind, are they winning too many games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the team's solid play lately, especially that of Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija. Plus, the trade deadline is coming up on Feb. 6. What should the Blazers do? And would we trade for Zion Williamson? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices