By David De Rurange/KTVL.com
MEDFORD, Ore. -- When you watch the University of Oregon play in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, watch for Medford's homegrown star, E.J. Singler. His father stopped by News 10. He shared insight into the Singler family, how E.J. prepared for the national stage and pictures only a parent could have.

Before E.J. Singler was a Duck, he was a Panther, winning the State Championship with South Medford High School for the 2006-2007 school year. But before all of that, Ed Singler said he was a great son.

"He had an interest in sports at an early age." E.J.'s Father said, "He had a great childhood growing up. He was always a happy kid. He was always fun-loving, a-little-bit-goofy, side to him, but a great kid."

Now, he's a great guy, noticed by scouts, magazines and taking his own path, despite being the younger brother of pro basketball player, Kyle Singler.

Nike took advantage of the connection by posting a tall poster the brothers, about to face-off on the college court.

"And the promotion was 'Singler Minded.' They put this picture up on the side of a building in downtown Portland." Ed said.

E.J. is a fourth generation Singler in Medford, and sports is an important aspect to their family.

"Sports is great in terms of what it exposes you to." E.J.'s Dad said.

Ed was with E.J. on Selection Sunday, when it was announced the U of O would be a part of March Madness.

Despite the Duck's 12th seeding in the tournament, Ed is proud of E.J.'s perspective, saying that the seeding doesn't matter because any team you play in the NCAA is going to be good.

"My experience watching NCAA basketball is that anything can happen. I think it's going to be a great first test for them. Oklahoma State has a good basketball team. They have a great program. But Oregon does too." Singler Sr. Said.

Oregon's overall record is 26-8.  Oklahoma State's is 24-8.

As a father wanting his son to succeed in sports, Ed says it's best if parents avoid putting anymore pressure on their kids.  When Ed goes to San Jose to see E.J. play, he says he's just going to enjoy the game.

"To perform you really have to go out there and have fun. Because if you go out there and have too much pressure on yourself, then I think that's where kids kind of get wayward, and they don't play as well. They don't work. It doesn't work out. So you really have to be loose. That's really as a Dad and as a Mom we really encourage E.J. to do. Is just go out there and have fun." Ed said.

As for a March Madness bracket, Ed says he hasn't made one yet, but he'll participate in a few pools.