Jared Cunningham at the Pac-12 Media Day

Former San Leandro High star Jared Cunningham, entering his junior year at Oregon State, talked at the Pac-12 Media Day:

Do you see yourself as one of the top defensive players in the country having finished fifth in the NCAA last year in steals?

"Yes, I do. Defense I take pride in, and with our defense this year, it should help me get more steals and playing man-to-man will benefit me and the team. You'll be able to see the guards get into the other guards and play full court man. 

Jared, we've heard how confident your coach is talking about your team. How about you? What gives you reason to think that the Beavers will be more competitive this season?

"I'm definitely confident in our team. We show signs every day in practice and everybody's working hard day-in and day-out. Just from being a co-captain, helping out the guys and showing them what to do, they're very willing to learn, and that should help us in the long run.