(Editor's note: Oregon sophomore guard Shaquala Williams has shared a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season and will continue to do so during the NCAA Tournament. For more information on the Ducks, visit Oregon's official athletic site.)

March 14, 2000

	Williams

We finally concluded our Pac-10 season, pulling out a conference championship for the second straight year. Oregon State gave us a battle on Friday, but that is what we need going into the tournament to best prepare us.

Surprisingly, I got named the Pac-10 Player of the Year. I was surprised because I just figured that (UCLA's) Maylana Martin would win it. She is good, and despite her team's struggles, has still done her job. But since we won the championship and I played well, it would have maybe been criminal to deny me that. I'm just happy coaches honored me in that way. But for now, I put everything that has happened in conference behind me and prepare for the next chapter of our season.

It was strange watching the Selection Show because when our No. 6 seed came up, we were all like, "Booo." Then we saw "Eugene, Oregon," and were like, "Huh?" Finally, it was explained that Mississippi State (No. 3 seed) could not host, so we were all like, "Yeah!"

	THE FULL DOSE OF DIARIES
	UCLA's Maylana Martin: 'Chance to redeem ourselves'

It is kind of bittersweet to me -- we host, but we get a six seed. I'm happy we get to stay at home, but the stresses of it are hitting hard. I have media, finals and ticket requests. I had an uncle call, who I have only met once. He lives in Eugene, but has only been to one game in two years. What's up with that?

I finished my only final today and am taking my phone off the hook. I have Caller ID so if someone important calls, I'll just hit them back later. It was crazy when we got back from our tournament Selection Show retreat (on the Oregon Coast). We had hundreds of fans waiting outside -- I heard some even slept out there. No offense, but I couldn't do that -- I'd have caught it on the tube. Only way I'm sleeping outside is if Jesus Christ is playing. But that's why we love our fans. The support is awesome.

Mum's the word on UAB
Our first opponent is UAB, from Conference USA. We don't get those games on TV here, so I haven't seen the Blazers play much throughout the year. But I watched a few games last night and they are pretty good. There is no one in the Pac-10 to compare them to, but I see some places they could give us trouble. I also see where we could exploit them. I would tell you all, but then I would have to kill you. If I kill you all, that's makes me a serial killer. So I'll just keep the game plan quiet until Friday.

We also have Saint Peter's and Mississippi State coming here. All I of have to say about that is LaToya Thomas is GOOD, real GOOD. But she's something I don't want to think about right now; I would like to sleep well this week.

Hopefully, we can come out and play well this week so that I can write again. Like coach says, it's a one-game tournament and you can't save anything for the next day.