Payton Pritchard: Behind No. 3

EUGENE, Ore. – After an impressive showing in both exhibition games, Oregon will begin the regular season by welcoming Coppin State to Matthew Knight Arena Friday at 9 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks). High hopes abound entering the 2017-18 season following last year's unforgettable Final Four appearance.

As Oregon's only returning starter, guard Payton Pritchard understands the dedication and grueling hours that it takes to be successful in March. In order to accomplish this, Pritchard maintains an intense focus on basketball.

"On the court I'm locked in," Pritchard said. "I'm there to get better and get the job done."

Millions of people saw this side of Pritchard come to light when he and the rest of the Oregon teammates battled North Carolina in the Final Four in Glendale, Ariz., this past April.

Pritchard enters this season after the Ducks' historical Final Four run as Oregon's top returning player in almost every statistical category – averaging 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season. Pritchard is looking to expand his role on the team beyond just statistics by becoming a more vocal leader.

"I don't feel a lot of pressure because I feel like I work so hard," he said. "If I fail it's okay because I'll get right back up and I'll try again."

Despite the sophomore standout's intensity on the court, his pregame ritual is more laid back. While most athletes have a pump-up playlist they listen to, Pritchard says he just relaxes – a side of him that the public does not usually see. "I don't listen to music," he said. "I just chill like I'm taking a nap. I don't want to think about the game."

A fierce competitor on the court, Pritchard's calm pregame routine reflects his laid back personality off of the court.

He describes himself as "loose" when he's not playing basketball. "Once I step off the floor it's a whole different mentality. I'm laughing and joking around, real loose," he said. "I'm just trying to have a good time."

When Pritchard can find a spare moment between practices and games he relaxes and spends time with friends. At home, the West Linn, Ore., native likes to be outdoors. "I'm always on the river tubing and going to different spots to jump off rocks," he said.
He also enjoys a game of putt-putt golf and going to the movies. Pritchard's favorite movie at the moment is The Choice, which is not entirely surprising since he is an admitted fan of romantic comedies.

Pritchard is also a talented ping pong player, and claims to dominate his teammates. The sophomore's contrasting on-court and off-court personalities complement each other and are what allow him to be so successful.

Making another deep run into March is always difficult. But while there are challenges that lie ahead for Ducks, Pritchard is prepared to lead the team by staying focused and loose.

- goducks.com -

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Payton Pritchard

University of Oregon Athletics