Question & Answer Session with Eddie Payne - Oregon State University Athletics

Heading into the fall/spring recruiting period, what were your primary needs? "Our primary need was Brian Jackson! We also wanted to improve our quickness on the perimeter, and I feel Jimmy Haywood has helped us there as well."

Do you feel you have addressed the program's needs with the players you have signed?
"We have obtained quality players -- players who fit in to what we are trying to do at Oregon State University. I feel good about the people we have coming into the program, they're the type of players who can help us continue to move forward."

You had good chemistry in your program last season, was chemistry a part in your recruiting philosophy this year?
"We consciously try to recruit guys who have the team concept, among other quality attributes. The four individuals (Jackson, Haywood, Mike Cokley and James Jones) we have signed all have that kind of mentality. In Haywood's case, he is coming to Oregon State after playing for a high school coach who was very structured. Jimmy really understands the team framework."

You have signed only one player (James Jones) during the spring period to this point (April 23) - is that what you had anticipated all along or are you disappointed?
"Actually, we could have easily stayed with the three freshmen. Ultimately, I did want to get a player who would give us more size and strength at the three position, I felt that wasn't a good match-up for us at times last season. James Jones gives us an option to play more of a true forward at the three position, instead of all guards."

You have one scholarship available to award if you desire, what are your thoughts about using it?
"We might take one more player, maybe a transfer or a bigger player who we could redshirt. I'm not real anxious, or think we need to sign another player."

Explain the process you use in selecting potential players?
"The process is very involved and complicated. We are constantly trying to locate and identify talent - it is a year-long process. We are constantly making contacts and evaluations with individuals from the junior college ranks to ninth graders, anybody we feel who is, or potentially could be, a Pac-10 caliber student-athlete. As we watch players grow and mature, we then determine are priorities."

All things being equal, what position (s) are you addressing for your next class of recruits?
"We need to get a big man, we lose George (von Backstrom) and Iyan (Walker). We are also looking for another guard, a combo one-two type player. We will also look at signing another big forward."

Are you leaning towards junior college or high school players as your next class?
"We always prefer freshmen, but at the same time we need quality players. We feel like we have quality players in the program, but you always look for guys who can help in depth or injury situations. We are seeking players who have Pac-10 talent, it doesn't matter at this time if they are at the junior college or high school level. We have enough players in the program currently, where we can now concentrate on filling in spots. The personality of this team is in pretty good shape."

The program had some success last season, how important was that in terms of recruiting?
"It was very important. The victories show people we are making progress at Oregon State. It is important for us to demonstrate we are progressing, especially with in-state recruits."

What are you selling about Oregon State University and the basketball program at this time?
"The improvement of the program. With the success we had last season, now more than ever, there are some tangible selling points - the crowds at Gill Coliseum, the atmosphere in the arena, the enthusiasm of the team, and the list goes on. It was important for people to see us make strides last season and that we are building a solid team."

Fans always want to know about your preseason schedule, which you are working on at this time, what can you share with us?
"The schedule is step up from last year, maybe more than a step. We have two very difficult road games at Colorado State and Utah - certainly those are extremely challenging games. We are having some difficulty with our home schedule, mainly because other programs won't play us -- they see how Oregon State has improved. It has been a challenge scheduling, but we are getting closer to having next season's completed."