Joevan Catron is a 6'6", 235 lb sophomore starter for the Oregon Ducks. Although he may have the build of a linebacker, he's actually a starting forward for the basketball team; and a very good one at that. Coming into Thursday's game against Arizona St, Catron is averaging 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the 9-3 Ducks. On December 11, Catron had a season-high 20 points against Sacramento St. Unfortunately, Catron was sidelined with injury before the beginning of Pac-10 conference play (he tore his plantar fascia ligament in the Mt. Saint Mary's game on December 28). Here at the Deli, we wish Joevan a successful and speedy recovery. Before the injury, the Deli's Joshua Fischman conducted the following interview with Catron, a member of our Pac-10 All-Sophomore Honorable Mention team.

Joshua Fischman: What has been your favorite moment so far in a Ducks uniform?

Joevan Catron: My favorite moment in a Duck uniform was the first time I put it on and got in the game to play.

JF: Talk about the adjustments you made, from last season to this one, that have led to your improvement.

JC: The only adjustment I made this year was getting healthy from my surgery and losing the weight I gained from being out.

JF: What was the recruiting process like? What aspects led you to decide to become a Duck?

JC: The recruiting process was stressful. But it also was fun. Recruits just have to be prepared to be in contact with coaches day in and day out. Kenny Payne is the reason I became a duck. He is just a great human being.

JF: What was your experience like, winning last season's Pac-10 tournament?

JC: Winning the Pac-10 tournament was new to me. It just felt amazing beating teams the way we did.

JF: Talk about your experience in the NCAA Tourney last season and being able to contribute in key situations.

JC: Last year was an adjustment year from high school to college. I had to do what Coach wanted me to, even if I didn't like it, just to get on the court. So I really didn't have a chance to contribute the way I wanted to. Down the stretch of the season, I really helped the team out though.

JF: Describe the 2007-08 Ducks basketball team.

JC: A veteran basketball team with a chip on its shoulder.

JF: The Pac-10 Conference looks very strong this year. Can you give us a preview of the conference?

JC: Yes, the Pac-10 is stronger this year than it was last year. Oregon, UCLA, USC, Wash St., Stanford. The top 5.

JF: You're averaging 7.9 rebounds per game and you're only 6'6". How important is rebounding for all players, regardless of their size or position?

JC: Well, rebounding isn't that hard [if] you understand angles and ricochets, not to mention long arms. That's how I get to rebounds. Rebounding is very important because it's how transition gets started and gives teams a chance to score.

JF: Your starting five may be the best in the nation. Talk about those guys: Tajuan Porter, Marty Leunen, Bryce Taylor and Malik Hairston.

JC: We do have a lot of talent, but we have put it together on defense. All of our guys can play basketball. I like them all and their games.

JF: What kind of a coach is Ernie Kent?

JC: Coach Kent is a good coach. He just wants his team and players to be better than when they came in.

JF: How much do you guys miss the leadership and play of Aaron Brooks? What did he mean to the team and to you personally?

JC: A.B. is one of the best guards I've ever played with. He overcame adversity and showed why he belonged in the NBA. He was our leader last year and you can't replace him overnight. We miss him.

JF: What do you think about the Ducks football team this year?

JC: Our football team had a great, great season before Dennis [Dixon] got hurt. I thought we were gonna win the BCS Championship and Dennis [was going to] get the Heisman. But, unfortunately, injuries came into play.

Now that you've read this interview with Joevan, be sure to watch Oregon as they begin Pac-10 play. Also, be sure to continue reading about Pac-10 basketball all week as the Deli reveals our All-Pac-10 Junior and Senior teams on January 3rd and 4th. For our All-Freshman and All-Sophomore Pac-10 teams, click on the appropriate links.

For further coverage of NCAA sports, check out our interviews in the Davis Sports Deli Archives .