Live updates: Dan Lanning and Oregon players speak at Pac-12 media day

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and a pair of the Ducks’ star players are scheduled to speak at Pac-12 Media Day in Las Vegas this afternoon.

Lanning, who is entering his second season at the helm of the UO program, is set to begin his press conference at 1:35 p.m. PT on Friday. Shortly after, quarterback Bo Nix and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa will speak with reporters.

Follow along for updates throughout the afternoon, and watch the press conferences live on Pac-12 Networks.

Dan Lanning Pac-12 Media Day Press Conference

— Lanning said Bassa was chosen as a media day representative for Oregon because he “exudes the attributes” Oregon is looking for.

— When asked if he still has conversations with Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, Lanning said the two still stay in contact, but mostly to talk about their families. “He’s a great student of the game.”

— When asked about Oregon’s newcomers, Lanning noted that the Ducks’ players have “done over 850 hours of community service” over the past several months with 16 different organizations.

— Lanning was asked how “in sync” he and Bo Nix are. He praised Nix’s competitiveness and said Nix is “a member of the (Lanning) family,”

— Lanning praised the top-to-bottom quarterback play in the league. “Every competitor enjoys going against elite competition.”

— When asked how conference realignment will affect UO’s recruiting, he said he is focused on recruiting. “I’m a true believer that if you win, the rest will take care of itself.”

— Lanning was asked about the state of Oregon’s offensive line and said the Ducks “have the talent” to replace the four departing starters from last year’s team. He said the linemen have been spending extra time together to build chemistry.

— Lanning was asked about the respect of facing ASU and Dillingham. “It’s going to be like facing your brother, right? If I’m playing my brother at basketball right now, I want to whoop his ass. That’s the goal. But he’s a competitor, too. He’s a great coach.”

— When asked about his transfer portal philosophy, Lanning said “If we find somebody who will make our program better. … We’re going to do everything we can to make sure they’re on our team. … The transfer portal is a tool we want to use and we want to be the best at it.”

— When asked what he has learned about the Eugene community, he called it “a welcoming place” and said he’s excited to explore the community even more.

— Jeffrey Bassa, Jestin Jacobs, and Jamal Hill were among the players Lanning praised when asked about Oregon’s re-tooled linebacker room. He noted that the Ducks need players who are “really athletic” at the position.

— In regards to Troy WR transfer Tez Johnson, Lanning made note of Johnson’s speed and praised his work ethic.

— Oregon strength coach Wilson Love has been texting Lanning throughout the week updating him on the positive progress made by the Ducks’ players.

Bo Nix and Jeffrey Bassa press conference

— Nix was asked how his view on leadership has changed over the past five years. He said he believes he has a better understanding of how each individual is capable of being led. He wants to “meet teammates where they are.”

— Nix was asked about his relationship with Oregon center Marcus Harper and Jackson Powers-Johnson. He said he’s “excited to find out who (the starting center) is (going to be.)”

— Bassa praised the effort of Oregon’s defensive players to add weight during the offseason. “I think the guys are taking it one day at a time; we’re just focused on heading into camp healthy.”

— Nix praised the discipline of Oregon’s players throughout the offseason and said discipline has been a key aspect of the Ducks’ offseason.

— Bassa on Oregon’s front seven: “Guys like Jamal Hill. … Matayo Uiagalelei is a guy who can do a lot of things — can drop into coverage and rush the passer — we’ve got a lot of versatility.”

— Nix was asked about his relationship with former OC Kenny Dillingham: “He’s one of the biggest reasons I came to Oregon to begin with. … As soon as the (ASU job) was open, I knew he was going to get it. … I was thrilled when he told me. I couldn’t be more excited for him. I can’t wait to beat his tail in November. But we’ll have a great relationship for the rest of our lives.”