Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 1982)
Emerald Photo Debbie Adams, the second leading scorer in Oregon history has returned to Eugene to serve as an assistant coach Ex-Duck guard back as assistant coach By Doug Levy Of th« Emerald It may not have seemed unu sual when Debbie Adams walked across center court and handed her Taiwanese count erpart a gift during Oregon's game with the Republic of China on Nov. 8 It was something that the former Duck had often done in her star-studded career for the Ducks. But this time. Adams was do ing the exchanging as an assistant coach Adams is back at Oregon after four years as a forward for the Ducks and a year hiatus as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Washington "I am happy here." she says simply. "I know the system — I played under Elwin (Heiny) for four years, and I don't think he's doing anything differently than before '" Adams says the words quietly, thoughtfully That's because for Adams, actions have always spoken louder than words As a prep star in Seattle, she excelled for four years in basketball and track At Oregon, she became a Kodak All-America nominee, piled up enough points to become second on the all-time scoring list, and, by pouring in 38 points in a game against Seattle University her junior year, established herself as the UO single game scoring record-holder Oh, she also ran a little track, too Well, just enough to set a school record in the 100-meters and earn AIAW All-American honors in 1979 It is worth noting Adams’ track achievements, because when she came to Oregon in 1977, she came via a scholar ship in track, not basketball. "I was recruited for track and got a track scholarship," she remembers, “but I wanted to play basketball, too.” Indeed she did, and she did so well in basketball that she quit track after her sophomore year to concentrate solely on basketball. For sheer athletic ability, few can compare to Adams, yet she remains humble about her accomplishments Pressed to name some of her honors and some sprint times, she chuck les “I don't know — I just don't remember any of that stuff," she says Following the high' of com petition, Adams has now settled for coaching, and she admits the transition has not been easy "Oh yeah, sure I want to play sometimes," says the 24-year-old It's a big change, especially within one year's time " Although she can t play for the 1982 Ducks, Adams is pleased with the team she sees "It s probably one of the better teams they've had We have a lot of new kids playing at a higher level than they're used to, so we've got to build around players like Alison (Lang),” she adds This year, unlike years past, Oregon is not predicted to be the premiere team in the North west That label has been pinned on an up-and-coming Oregon State team. Still, Adams feels this team compares favorably to the Oregon teams she played on, and she's con fident the Ducks can retain their Northwest supremacy My senior year everyone had played in college a couple of years. This year, there are a lot of kids who are new to this kind of ball. That's the only differ ence," she says Regarding the team's chances, she says, We re not ranked because we lost Bev (Smith), but we have everyone else back I think we ll be very good.” Eventually, Adams wants to switch from coaching to social work (she graduated from Oregon with a degree in com munity service and public affairs). “I’d like to go back and get my masters, and then go into social work — that’s my goal.” With a laugh, she adds, "Really, coaching is a lot like social work.” One reason Adams is back in Eugene is the unique feeling the town has for women's basketball. "The basketball program here is different,” she says. "The community is really behind the team, and there are always a lot of people at the games It’s nice.” Adams stresses that coach ing was an important ingredient in her return also. ‘Til probably still be coaching in a few years," she says. "I’m not coaching just to coach, but because I enjoy doing it.” Ah, yessss.... The LATE GREAT SPAGETTI FEED IS BACK! TUESDAY, THURSDAY. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AFTER 8 p.m. All you can eat plus a pitcher of beer or a ' j litre of wine! 725 W First Ave • 484-1919 ' "Permanent" Wave 8pecial/ regular price.*55I NOW ? 2^. Chain °offcr NovembcrlJ, expires D FWu° Chaircut extra) expires Decembcrii. How to civilize 7a.m. i-1 FRENCH STYLE INSTANT COFFEE BEVERA< The schedule may be less than civilized, but you don't have to be. Try a warm cup of Cafe Francais. Smooth and creamy-light, it's a nicer way to meet the morning. And just one of six deli ciously different flavors from General Foods* International Coffees. GENERAL FOODS* INTERNATIONAL COFFEES. AS MUCH A FEELING AS A FLAVOR ® General Foods Corporation 1982 ( " V I F GENERAL FOODS
