Oregon, Making A Push on the Court As Well

So Oregon lost in Monday's BCS National Championship for football on a game ending field goal, but that is not all the news from Eugene this week. No, the men's basketball squad also had a big week when they opened up their new arena last night, and you thought the Ducks were big time with their football jerseys? Well check out the new Matthew Knight Arena:

The $227 million dollar project was opened last night with a win against conference foe USC, as the Ducks took it 68-62. The new court might be a welcomed restart for the Ducks, as it gave them their first conference win, and brought them to within one game of .500. While the Ducks have some improving to do on their record, the court will certainly bring a welcomed new energy to the players and fans.

Rivaling most NBA facilities the arena is breathtakingly spectacular, but one of the most talked about aspects of the arena is not the size, the beauty, or the amenities. No, they are talking about the actual visual appearance of the court, which is one-of-a-kind. And would Oregon do it any differently? The court itself has the appearance of trees almost outlining the sidelines and baselines, with a phrase beneath the large 'O' in the middle of the court, that reads. "Deep in the Woods."

While it remains to be seen whether outlandish courts like this are the wave of the future, or simply something to be unique to the Ducks, it is certainly something to behold. The hopes are to bring in talent and players that can rival that of Oregon's football program, who has made strides when it comes to their football field, as well as drawing awe and admiration from many on their football jerseys. Several professional football players commenting on their jerseys from Monday night's football game alone, such as Arizona Cardinals standout defensive lineman Darnell Dockett who tweeted, "YOOOO I didn't go to oregon I went to FSU but, I want me a 90 oregon jersey!"

Oregon is reaching out to the youth and trying to reel them in with the best facilities and intangibles that money can buy. The field and jerseys worked for the football team, and now this arena and court are going to see what it can do for the basketball squad. They have already got a class of four freshman coming in next year, highlighted by five star shooting guard Jabari Brown, so maybe Oregon basketball will be back in the tournament before you know it.