When No. 3 Oregon takes their home court for the first time Saturday, there will be an honorary coach on hand.
Author Shea Serrano, who is a relatively new Duck fan, will sit behind the Oregon bench when they host No. 18 Syracuse. But the “Basketball (and other things): A collection of questions asked, answered, illustrated” writer plans to keep a low profile.
“I have no idea what it will be like, but my thought is that I’d be cheering,” Serrano said. “I want to stay out of the way.”
Serrano will be in town to speak to University of Oregon students, as a guest of the English Department. His friendship with Professor Deb Morrison preceded his Duck fandom, as they first made contact on social media. Serrano did a video question and answer session with one of her classes, and he and Morrison stayed in touch.
Last winter the Texas resident took notice of Oregon women’s basketball when he caught a video of Aina Ayuso.
“I saw a clip of her on Twitter crossing over her defender, and as her shot fell, the defender fell down,” Serrano said. “It stuck in my head, and I started following the team. When the NCAA Tournament started, she did it again.”
Morrison took note of his social media cheering for the Ducks, and she asked if he wanted to come and speak. She suggested the title of his talk: “Be a writer who cares.” Serrano said that it would be funnier if the event was titled, “Be a writer, who cares.” Morrison agreed.
“It’s an excuse to see a game,” Serrano said.